Two staff photographers working for both the Docklands and East London Advertiser and its sister title, The Newham Recorder, have achieved a remarkable double by being shortlisted in the prestigious Society of Editors’ Regional Press Awards 2012.

East London Advertiser: This pic of London mayor Boris Johnson stuck as he dangles from a zipwire was one of Isabel's entries.This pic of London mayor Boris Johnson stuck as he dangles from a zipwire was one of Isabel's entries. (Image: Archant)

They will be going head to head as the two London Archant-published titles lead the way with two out of the five nominations in the Weekly Photographer of the Year category,

East London Advertiser: Joe LordJoe Lord (Image: Archant)

The national awards recognise brilliant journalism in UK local and regional newspapers both in print and online.

East London Advertiser: Isabel infantesIsabel infantes (Image: Archant)

Snapper Joe Lord, a 24-year-old Stratford resident and his work colleague Isabel Infantes, 27, who lives in Hackney, will learn whether they have scooped the top prize at a lunchtime awards ceremony at the Savoy Hotel on May 17 hosted by broadcaster, Nick Ferrari.

More than 600 entries were received for the press awards which judge the best in written and pictorial news coverage, as well as design, campaigns and on-line journalism.

Society of Editors executive director Bob Satchwell said: “These awards reflect and spotlight the tremendous journalism that can be found every day or every week across the UK in regional and local newspapers that represent their readers and serve their communities so well.”