The Bucks Free Press is in the running to be named weekly newspaper of the year at a prestigious annual awards ceremony next month. 

The Regional Press Awards celebrate the best of British regional and local newspaper journalism over the course of 2017 in print, online and other platforms.

The BFP has been shortlisted in the weekly newspaper of the year (below 15,000) alongside the Accrington Observer, Bury Times, Cambridge Independent, Hexham Courant and Newry Reporter. 

Papers covering everything from the ANPR scandal in Wycombe, the town's first Pride event and the tragic death of Leo Etherington and the £43,000 cost to clear up the Handy Cross sports centre site after large-scale flytipping by travellers were put forward to be judged.

The awards ceremony, to be held at the IET, Savoy Place, London, will be hosted by LBC radio presenter Nick Ferrari on May 18.

BFP editor, Samantha Harman, said she is "delighted" at the news. She said: "For more than 160 years, the Bucks Free Press has been at the heart of the community. 

"Many things have changed during that time, including the ways in which we bring you the news. But one thing that has remained the same is the reason that we do what we do - you, our readers. 

"Journalism plays an integral role in open democracy. 

"Our reporters are here to ask questions on your behalf; to inform you of the decisions that are being made in your name. Decisions that will have an impact on your future. 

"We're here to speak up for all, to campaign on causes you care about and to help bring about change, if you feel change is needed. 

"The Bucks Free Press has a long history of doing these things and the past year has been no different. 

"We've campaigned on issues such as food banks and phones at the wheel. We've backed dozens of local events and we've exposed wrongdoing. 

"I am delighted to have been shortlisted for Weekly Newspaper of the Year in these prestigious awards. 

"Thank you to the hardworking team who go above and beyond to make what is a cracking paper and associated products, lead on a daily basis by Andrew Colley. And thank you to our advertisers and stakeholders. 

"But most importantly, thanks to you, our readers."