The Argus has once again been recognised as one of the best newspapers in the business.

We were highly commended in the Daily Newspaper of the Year category in a top industry awards ceremony tonight.

Judges in the Newsquest Editorial and Newspaper Sales Awards - which recognises the achievements of almost 300 papers across Britain - shortlisted The Argus among three finalists, including the Northern Echo in Darlington and the Glasgow Evening Times.

The eventual winner was The Northern Echo - but The Argus was highlighted for its unrivalled coverage of news and sport in Sussex.

Michael Beard, group editor of The Argus, said: "The recognition we received is down to the hard work and dedication of the whole team.

"To be highly commended in the Daily Newspaper of the Year category - against competition from some of the best papers in the industry - gives me a sense of great pride in the product we are delivering day in, day out.

"And it is testament to the huge steps forward we are continuing to make in offering the best coverage of local news available."

The commendation follows our success at the EDF Energy Media Awards five months ago when we scooped a host of gongs - including Newspaper of the Year.