Oxford Mail chief feature writer George Frew is one of the best in the business.

At an awards ceremony in London last night, George was named runner-up in the BT Feature Writer of the Year category, beaten narrowly by a national newspaper writer from Scotland on Sunday.

The awards dinner, hosted by BBC news presenter Huw Edwards, took place at the prestigious Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington.

George, who submitted articles on the Paddington rail disaster and an exclusive interview with jailed arsonist David Blagdon, has been writing for the Oxford Mail since December, 1995.

Oxford Mail editor Patrick Fleming said: "George Frew is a journalist of rare ability. He is a man close to people with a unique gift which allows him to relate to people from all walks of life. This award confirms what we in Oxford already know, George Frew is one of the best."