THE Adver's Barrie Hudson was yesterday crowned columnist of the year for the south west.

At the EDF Energy South West of England Media Awards 2014, Barrie won the award at the third time of asking.

Competing against writers from the region, which stretches from Cornwall to Wiltshire, Barrie was praised for his range of rib-tickling and authoritative pieces.

The judges said of his work: “Barrie’s one-liners produce genuine laugh-out-loud moments… passion and tongue in cheek humour aplenty.”

After accepting the award, he said: “I am just very honoured to be receiving this award from my peers. It means an awful lot."

Barrie said he enjoyed the work he had done over the past 12 months and was proud to be named top columnist, but it would not be something he would dwell on in his writing.

“I try to do my best and I try to stand up for people who can’t stand up for themselves,” he said.

“I also try to give people a laugh, but if a serious point needs to be made, I will make it.”

Other members of the Adver editorial team to be highly commended at the ceremony in Bristol were reporters Mike Benke, Beren Cross, Scott D’Arcy and Dominic Gilbert and feature writer Barry Leighton.

The Adver’s website was also highly commended by the judges.