1284 content editor Richard Bowyer will judge at this year’s Regional Press Awards.

He’s been selected for the role due to his experience and knowledge from 40+ years in the media.

The industry awards celebrate UK-based journalists and publications who are producing innovative, exciting and erudite journalism.

There are 21 categories, including News Brand of the Year, Campaign of the Year, and Scoop of the Year.

Shortlisted finalists will be announced on 17 January 2024, with the awards taking place at an exclusive London venue in April.

Managing director George Oliver said: "1284 staff are all very experienced journalists, which gives us a keen insight into the workings and opportunities with media.

"This is demonstrated by Richard being invited to judge at a major national industry awards event such as this."

Richard has been involved in the journalism industry for four decades.

After starting as a junior reporter at the Coalville Times, he worked for numerous large titles across the Midlands region.

He concluded his award-winning career in newspapers as Editor-in-Chief of the Staffordshire Sentinel newspaper group.

Richard went on to spend nine years teaching journalism at the University of Derby, preparing students to enter the trade.

He joined 1284 earlier this year as content editor, and is now working on the design and editing of large client print publications.

Richard will judge the Regional Press Awards, which is the pinnacle of the UK's local journalism sector.

Entries are invited from all regional news brands, including newspapers and digital publications, individual journalists, teams and titles.

The focus is on content that brings communities together and leads to real change.