A YOUNG journalist from Trowbridge has been presented with a prestigious award.

Lucy Steer, 22, was selected by the Periodicals Training Council as the New Journalist of the Year at a ceremony held in London's Grosvenor House on November 9.

She said: "It was a huge shock just to be shortlisted.

"I went to the ceremony with the intention of having a good day out it never occurred to me that I would win. When they read out my name I nearly fell off my seat."

Miss Steer, a former Clarendon School pupil, studied English Literature at Cardiff University and was editor of the student magazine.

After completing her degree she spent a year studying for a post-graduate diploma in magazine journalism.

Her winning entry in the New Journalist of the Year awards was based on three features

written during the course, as well as an interview with the judges.

Miss Steer now works in London as deputy editor for Executive Woman, a magazine for young business women.