Yeovil Express journalist Steve Sowden has been hailed one of the top sports writers in the country.

He was commended at a national awards ceremony, held in London last Thursday, after being shortlisted as publisher Newsquest's Sports Writer of the Year category.

Steve had to submit stories and features that had appeared in the Yeovil Express from February 2002 to February 2003 and he decided to concentrate on Yeovil Town's great FA Trophy run which culminated in victory over Stevenage Borough at Villa Park in May of last year.

Category judge Tony Lennox, Editorial Director of Midland Weekly Media, said: "For sheer exuberance, this entry deserves much credit.

"The story of Yeovil Town FC's march to FA Trophy victory was conveyed in an entertaining and emotional style and proved that weekly papers, despite sometimes lacking the resources of regional dailies, can deliver the goods."

The independently-judged competition, sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland, saw Steve compete against other sports writers from across the country and culminated in a presentation luncheon at the prestigious Thistle Hotel at Tower Bridge.

He collected a framed certificate from Newsquest's chief executive Paul Davidson during the ceremony.

Express Editor-in-Chief, Ken Bird, said afterwards: "This was an excellent achievement for Steve as he was up against other soccer writers who cover Premiership and Football League clubs.

"With Yeovil Town now promoted, he will be joining those ranks next season and I'm sure he will rise to the challenge."