Budding journalists celebrated at prestigious awards as Mirror legend Hugh Cudlipp's legacy honoured

Aspiring student journalists have been honoured for their extraordinary work at this year’s Hugh Cudlipp Student Award.

The annual event celebrates young journalism and remembers the impact of our legendary Editorial Director on the entire news industry. Hosted by the London Press Club and sponsored by the Daily Mirror , the award gives a vital platform and prize to students who made an outstanding contribution for an article or video exploring an issue of public interest, fitting for the proud Cudlipp tradition.

Dozens of entries were received and the quality of work was praised before the winner was announced. Emma Conaghan claimed the honour, after a n insightful and professional film on the vital issue of male eating disorders and exercise addiction.

Her documentary uncovered a blind spot in British healthcare, made more difficult to cover because of shame, stereotyping, and domineering gym-bro culture, with a great spectrum of interviewees, leading to original, engaging and emotional interviews.

The Mirror’s Editor-in-Chief, Chloe Hubbard presented the award, and said: “It was a pleasure to meet all the deserving winners of the Cudlipp Awards who are all at the beginning of their adventure into journalism.

"The standard of the entries speaks to how competitive the industry is for young journalists now, with so many traditional routes becoming closed-off.

"It is harder than ever to get a foot on the ladder and I sincerely hope this recognition of their talents piques the interest of a wily news editor somewhere.”

Emma wasn't the only young reporter recognised. Tilly Harris was h ighly commended, with her entry focusing on an under-covered area of the social media debate, laying bare the reality facing children on TikTok with an engaging and accessible investigation, translates into a punchy news story and a great talking point.

Rashmi Varma was c ommended after a creative piece gets to the heart of a community, drawing the link between Southall's soaring diabetes rates and the prevalence of sweet shops and dessert bars on the high street.

Jada Sara Naidu was also honoured after producing a powerful and beautifully shot documentary looking at modern Black Britain asking questions about the Windrush generation and where they feel at home.

The event, which included a keynote speech by The Sun's Victoria Newton, also included a talk from Vernon Kay, highlighting the importance of journalism.

An insightful and professional film on the lesser-covered issue of male eating disorders and exercise addiction. This entry had a great spectrum of interviewees, leading to original, engaging and emotional interviews. This documentary uncovers a blind spot in British healthcare, made more difficult to cover because of shame, stereotyping, and domineering gym-bro culture.

The winning entry focused on an under-covered area of the social media debate, laying bare the reality facing children on TikTok with an engaging and accessible investigation.