Sam just misses out

Sam Jones — formerly of Ravenfield — had been shortlisted as Newcomer of the Year in the Midland Media Awards.

But the 26-year-old Tamworth Herald reporter was just edged out during a ceremony on September 17.

The former Thomas Rotherham College student said: “I’m still very proud to have made it this far and to be shortlisted in the last seven from the whole of the Midlands is great.

“To be nominated for an award in the early stages of my career has given me a huge confidence boost and I wouldn’t be here without the support of my family and friends back home.”