The Judges also accepted nominations for 'Outstanding Contribution' — for individual services to the television industry in the North East and the Borders region throughout their career.

Announcing the Award, Graeme Thompson (Chairman, RTS North East & The Border Centre) said:

Our recipient started out at Border Television in the early 80s reporting on 'Lookaround'.  From there, she enjoyed a successful career in network news before returning to the Border country which she loves.  Over the last three decades, Fiona Armstrong has become Border Television's most recognised and admired on-screen personality.  The Krankies and Melvyn Bragg might disagree, but for ITV viewers in Cumbria and the Scottish Borders, Fiona is in a league of her own.

Her warmth, her interviewing skills and her ability to make every report special have brought her legions of fans. And those talents have won her the admiration and respect of colleagues across the UK.  Fiona had a successful career in London with ITN and returned to network news with the BBC.  But the pull of the North was always going to be irresistible, and it was no surprise when this nationally-known news presenter came back home to present and report for ITV Border.

Whether reporting live from the devastating Carlisle floods, or investigating the removal of landmines in Cambodia, Fiona is the consummate professional.  As well as news, she has presented programmes on local history and has worked on many notable documentaries.  And she continues to present and report for the weekly series 'Border Life'.

Away from television, Fiona is heavily involved in the communities of the Borders.  She is the Lord Lieutenant of Dumfries & Galloway; patron of Cumbria's Woman of the Year; a judge of the Lakeland Book of the Year competition; she chairs the Clan Armstrong Trust; is on the board of the University of Central Lancashire, and has worked with numerous children's and cancer charities, both in Scotland and Cumbria.  She also has a passion for fishing and cooking and has written two books on the subject.

Fiona brings a sharp insight and humanity into everything she does, and is a great champion of the Border region.  She's also great fun to work with!

Winner:
FIONA ARMSTRONG
ITV Border