A football writer has thanked readers for their support after being named the country’s best regional sports journalist.

Joe Thomas, who covers Everton FC for the Liverpool Echo, has triumphed in the Regional Journalist category at the Sports Journalist Association’s 2024 British Sports Journalism Awards.

In winning the prize, Joe overcame nine-time winner Jon Colman, of Newsquest Cumbria, who was awarded silver.

Two-time winner Neil Allen, from the Portsmouth News, received the bronze.

Joe, pictured, posted on X: “Social media can be a challenging place, but I get a lot of support, feedback and help on here.

“I’m really grateful for it all – thank you for the kind messages after this nice surprise, and thank you for taking the time to follow me and my work.

“It really is appreciated.”