ANDREW Bailey, aged 39, from Eccleston, was judged Newsreader of the Year at the prestigious Independent Radio News awards.

The former Rainford High pupil presents the national news on the Christian O’Connell Breakfast Show on Absolute Radio, and was selected for the award by a panel of media-industry judges. They described him as having ‘considerable range’ and someone who has an ‘engaging style and calm authority’.

His award-winning entry featured coverage of the birth of Prince George last summer.

Andrew began his career at Radio City in Liverpool and recently worked with St Helens comedian Johnny Vegas on a spoof music video.