Argus reporter Ben Leo has been nominated for a Society of Editors Regional Press Award.

Ben, 24, of Worthing, learned he had made the shortlist for the awards this morning.

He has been nominated for Young Journalist of the Year.

He joined The Argus in September 2012 having been trained at Brighton Journalist Works.

Michael Beard, Editor of The Argus, said: “It’s a nomination that is thoroughly deserved.

“Ben had shown from the variety of his writing and also his stories that he has all the makings to be a really first class journalist.”

Ben added: “I’m really pleased. I’m learning more and more each day from a talented bunch of colleagues and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the ceremony in London on May 16.”