The University of Sunderland broadcast journalism student took the prize for a report on Greek unemployment. A year earlier, he won the same award for a piece on a demonstration in Newcastle against US President Donald Trump.

At the NETB Awards earlier this year, Pegkas met BBC News journalist and presenter Simon McCoy, who invited him to spend a day at the Corporation’s newsroom in London.

“It was great to welcome Theo to the BBC Newsroom in June – I have a feeling we will see him here again,” said McCoy.

“When I walked him through the newsroom and explained what the various departments did he was intrigued. When I took him around the TV galleries and the technical areas, he was telling me what they all did.”

“Winning two RTS awards has opened up some great opportunities, from which I have gained lots of experience,” said Pegkas.

“At the BBC’s HQ in London I got an insight into one of the leading news organisations worldwide. That was just after a two-week placement at BBC Newcastle, where I got to work with some incredible people who shared their experience and knowledge with me.”

Pegkas has recently graduated from the University of Sunderland and hopes to work in broadcast journalism and “put into practice everything I have learned and develop my skills”.

Graeme Thompson, pro vice chancellor at the University of Sunderland, said: “Theo is a remarkable young man with a great future ahead of him. He is a good example of what can happen when you enter the RTS Student Awards and get noticed by professionals who want to help.”

Click here to check out the rest of the winners at the RTS North East and the Border Awards 2019.