AN investigation into allegations of brutality at Europe's biggest army base has earned a national award for Northern Echo journalist Liz Lamb.

Liz was named Reporter of the Year at the Newsquest Editorial, Newspaper Sales and Distribution Awards.

She was praised for her all-round work, but particularly for her expose of bullying allegations at Catterick Garrison, which have led to calls for an independent inquiry.

The Northern Echo's Health Correspondent, Barry Nelson, who has won the award twice, was runner-up this time.

Kate Bowman was commended in the Trainee Reporter of the Year category.

Cathy Thompson won the Newspaper Sales Individual Endeavour Award.

The awards were presented by Paul Davidson, chairman and chief executive of Newsquest, at a ceremony in Warwickshire.

Newsquest is the publisher of The Northern Echo, along with daily and weekly newspapers across the country.