'Shining a light on good' reader Robin shares his reasons for supporting The News

But actually The News is more than just a collection of words printed on to paper, or published to a website.

As well as reporting the latest happenings in and around Portsmouth, The News has many other roles.

It supports new businesses, represents the city and gives readers a space to vent frustrations. It also celebrates the wonderful work of people living in the city.

For Robin Lander-Brinkley, from Southsea, it’s The News’ many awards that he particularly loves.

Robin, 42, said: ‘There have been all sorts of awards over the years that say well done to those in our local community who really deserve it. The News has gone out of its pages and touched people’s lives with these awards.’

Robin runs PR firm Maxwell Communications, which he set up in 2005. Through his promotional work, he has had a long relationship with The News.

He has submitted stories, built relationships with reporters, and he even came runner up in the Business Personality of the Year category at Business Excellence Awards in 2014.

Robin said: ‘The way these awards have built up over the years is brilliant. The News has always used its pages to shine a light on the good in our community and to celebrate life in Portsmouth. Other newspapers have tried to do the same, but it was The News that led the way.’

The News has run many different award ceremonies over the years - promoting good work within the healthcare sector, in sport, among young people, in the entertainments industry, at hair and beauty businesses and at retail and leisure outlets.

While coronavirus restrictions may have put The News’ awards temporarily on hold, work is happening behind the scenes to ensure they go ahead in 2021.

SEE ALSO: 'Vital for community spirit' - more reasons We Love The News

The Business Excellence Awards, which have been held for nearly 30 years, are being planned, with details due to be released shortly.

The Innovation Awards, due to launch this year, will hopefully be held in 2021.

As well as many award ceremonies, The News runs regular awards voted on by readers such as Pub of the Year, Chippy of the Year, Salon of the Year, plus more.

Robin said: ‘The News has been a vehicle, a platform, a stage, in which people have been invited to celebrate. As a city we needed that invitation, we needed someone to facilitate it, and The News has done it in a brilliant way.’

The News has launched its campaign called We Love The News to share some of the ways that our newspaper has touched the lives of our readers.

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