THE Wangaratta Chronicle has been recognised as one of country Victoria's premier newspapers at the Victorian Country Press Association's annual awards, held in Melbourne last Friday.

The Chronicle won the award for "Overall Newspaper Excellence" in its circulation category of 2000 - 6000, for the second time in three years.

The award is the most coveted within the industry, acknowledging all facets - journalism, photography, layout, advertising and overall production - involved in newspaper production.

North East Media CEO Edward Higgins said the award is testament to the dedicated team at the Wangaratta Chronicle who are committed to producing the best possible local newspaper for their local community.

"I would like to also thank our loyal readers and advertisers for their ongoing support," he said.

Country Press South Australia president Darren Robinson, who judged the award, said The Chronicle proved to be an "absolute delight to read".

"Each page is bursting with captivating photography and eye-catching advertisements to engage the reader," he said.

"The newspaper oozes a distinctive personality, enhanced by its exceptional segments.

"The Chronicle is extremely polished and delivers a standard of unwavering consistency.

"A great mix of hard- hitting journalism, community news and advertising features is complemented by the publication’s sport coverage.

"The advertising content was very reasonable, and the artwork has been created to a high standard.

"Of particular note are the special sections such as a the ‘Home & Garden’ lift out, a 36-page Football and Netball preview and a ‘Choose Local’ promotion.

"It is obvious that a great deal of care and consideration was invested in each page.

"The Classified pages included a healthy level of content, which is a testament to the high regard in which the publication is held within its readership."

Wangaratta Chronicle photographer Melissa Beattie and journalist Simone Kerwin also had their outstanding work recognised with individual state awards.

Melissa's back page photo of two soccer players going 'head to head' in an aerial dual during a crucial final was judged 'Best Sports Photo', and also won the overall award from all photography entries, with the judge noting the sharp and well cropped image was an "excellent action shot capturing the defining and agonising moment of the game" and told a "powerful story".

Simone's front page story of the Booth family sharing their gratitude for the community support following the sudden passing of their bubbly six–year–old daughter Imogen won the award for 'Best News Story'.

The judge said the story, 'Immy's spirit lives on', was an "excellent, thoughtful, and sensitive approach to human interest storytelling....and especially memorable and powerful story".