It follows news that Wilmington, which retains the rights to the Regional Press Awards, has decided not to run that event this year either.

The developments mean that 2010 could be the first year in more than two decades when there has not been a national awards event to celebrate the best of regional newspaper journalism.

Several of the big regional newspaper publishers - Johnston Press, Trinity Mirror and Newsquest - have indicated that they are not prepared to pay the £39 entry fees to enter journalists in such events. Ticket prices for the Regional Press Awards ceremony were another drawback, costing as they did around £130 each.

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