Real Britain editor Ros Wynne-Jones bagged the Excellence in Diversity accolade for the project, which saw her travel to some of the UK’s most challenged communities in search of hope
The Mirror has landed a top gong at the prestigious Press Awards.
Our Real Britain editor Ros Wynne-Jones bagged the Excellence in Diversity accolade for her Island of Strangers series, which examines how communities in Britain cross difficult divides. Judges praised her ability to give “a voice to those who usually wouldn’t be heard,” adding that it’s “vital” in journalism at the moment.
The series saw Ros, along with the Mirror’s John Domokos, Claire Donnelly and Maryam Qaiser, travel the length and breadth of the country in search of hope in challenged areas.
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On a trip to Middlesbrough, they spent time at the Flower Patch, where refugees and members of the community grow flowers together and reclaim abandoned green spaces. And in Cardiff, they spent time at a cabaret group for over-60s on one of the Welsh capital’s most notorious estates.
Ros, who was handed her prize at a glittering awards ceremony, said: “Making the Island of Strangers series of films with my colleagues John Domokos, Claire Donnelly and Maryam Qaiser has been an absolute privilege. We are indebted to the four communities – in Rotherham, Cardiff, Liverpool and Stockton-on-Tees – who trusted us to tell a different story about the people who live there.
“Too often, the story of our country is the one told by a few loud, angry voices. By going to communities that have overcome divisions, and that are finding ways to live with difference, we have found the real story – Britain is a nation of neighbours.”