MBE for NCTJ board member

Congratulations to Northern Echo editor Peter Barron who has been recognised in the New Year’s Honours.

Peter Barron was awarded an MBE for services to journalism and the community. He has edited the Northern Echo since 2001 and is well-known for his campaigning journalism.

Peter, who recently joined the NCTJ board of directors, said: “Newspapers have had a tough year due to the actions of a tiny minority of national journalists and I hope this honour highlights the vital community work carried out by local newspapers nationwide.

“It has been a privilege to work in the regional press for 34 years and I’ve been lucky to work with a brilliant team on a paper with great campaigning traditions. I owe special thanks to my wife, Heather, for all her support.”

He also paid tribute to his parents and his upbringing: “I grew up in South Bank, my dad worked at Lackenby steelworks and my mum was a post lady. The idea of being honoured by your country was unthinkable for me growing up in South Bank.”