IT was a team effort at the Scottish Press Awards for the Largs and Millport News as the title was named Scotland's second best weekly title.

The Wee Paper saw off rivals from across Scotland to take runner-up spot in the Weekly Newspaper of the Year category at a glitzy bash at the Doubletree by Hilton in Glasgow.

The gongs were handed out by TV presenter Jackie Bird, who is pictured congratulating reporters Calum Corral and Adam Lyon at the ceremony, which celebrated the best in local and national journalism.

Editor Brian Hossack said he was delighted to pick up the honour.

He said: "It was a real achievement to finish second given the number of titles across Scotland and I am really proud of the whole team.

"The Largs and Millport News achieved the biggest thumbs up any title can receive from its readers during 2021 - a print circulation increase.

"This near four per cent year on year sales hike was achieved through a string of exclusives, campaigns and powerful content that made a real impact with the title's audience."

Senior reporter Calum Corral said: "We received congratulations from ex-pats as far afield as Venezuela, San Francisco and even New Zealand.

"It has been a solid effort from everyone in our editorial team, including our columnists Drew Cochrane and George Wall, and it was really nice to get some such prestigious recognition for all our efforts."

The other finalists were The Inverness Courier, Lennox Herald, John O' Groats Journal and overall winners, the Ayrshire Post.

It is the second time in the last three years that the Largs and Millport News has been shortlisted in the prestigious category.