IT’S been a happy day for everyone connected with the Camden New Journal as two of the newspaper’s journalists, Dan Carrier and Pavan Amara, were honoured at the EDF Regional Press Awards. Dan was named weekly journalist of the year, while Pavan won the best newcomer prize.

Pavan has a knockout portfolio of stories and interviews to show for her first year on the New Journal and the Islington Tribune. Her mix of carefree doorknocking, campaigning spirit and sensitive interviewing surely won her this award. If you’ve met her, you’ll know she’s one of a kind.

Dan, meanwhile, my old friend, it’s about time somebody recognised the shift he puts in and the drum he bangs for responsible journalism. He writes a good yarn, but doesn’t step on anybody to do it. He turned his back on the tabloids to come back to the New Journal, and we’re all lucky he did. .

Walk down the road with Dan and it won’t be a minute before somebody has recognised him and shouted: ‘Hi Dan, how you are doing?’ He loves the people of this borough and they love him. He certainly loves and understands the history of the borough too, and it comes across in what he does in print. It’s just a shame he is so utterly and completely devoted to Spurs. We all have our flaws.