THE Chester Chronicle has again been named best weekly newspaper in the north of England - making it a hat-trick of honours in 2006.

The Newspaper Society presented the latest accolade to The Chronicle at its annual awards dinner at the Marriot Forest of Arden Hotel in the Midlands - retaining the title The Chronicle won last year.

This follows victory in the BNFL-sponsored North West Weekly Newspaper of the Year competition and The Chronicle was also named by independent judges as best weekly newspaper published by Trinity Mirror, the UK's biggest newspaper company with more than 200 titles.

The Chronicle was praised as a well-designed and outstanding package of news and sport by the Newspaper Society judges.

Sister newspaper The Flintshire Chronicle was also commended in the Wales and South West of England section of the awards.

David Newell, director of The Newspaper Society, said: 'The Weekly Newspaper Awards offer the opportunity to highlight the vibrant and creative work of the UK's local weekly press.'

Chronicle Editor in Chief Eric Langton said: 'It was a wonderful achievement to retain our title as best weekly in the North West, North East and Yorkshire - especially when you see the quality of the competition.

'Everyone at The Chronicle is committed to producing the best newspaper possible. We listen to our readers and want to involve them in our mission to be the best.'

The Oxford Times was chosen from the six regional winners to be paid-for Weekly Newspaper of the Year.