Sway News walked off with the trophy for the best Community Newsletter in Hampshire for 2002.

Over 100 parish magazines and newsletters had entered the Hampshire Chronicle event to highlight the good work done by volunteers throughout the county.

For the first time, the awards also featured a website category. There were four other category winners and the overall winner.

Hampshire Chronicle editor, Alan Cleaver, said at the ceremony at St Lawrence Church Hall, Winchester: "I know many people burn the midnight oil to produce these newsletters aimed at keeping their community together. They do a terrific job and these awards are just a small way of thanking those involved."

Sway News won the trophy and a cheque for £250 after judges praised its smart design and superb content. It was also the winner of the parish/village category.

Winner of the new category for the best website was Stockbridge Primary School. Its site contains detailed information for parents and pupils plus examples of the school work. Judges said it was a close-run contest with both Romsey Abbey's website and Winchester Dramatic Society's site impressing with the amount of content.

Many of the award recipients praised the team of people who voluntarily supported their newsletters or websites.

The awards are held each year and details of the search for the best publication of 2003 will be announced in December.

Winners and runners-up

Parish/village category

Winner: Sway News

Second: Itchen Abbas & Avington News

Third: The Link, Methodist Church, Chandler's Ford

Charity category

Winner: Electronic Thunderer, Rotary Club of Itchen Valley

Second: Focus, Andover & District Mencap

Third: Lion News, Eastleigh Lions Club

Sport/Leisure category

Winner: Meridian Beekeepers Association

Second: Stranack Newsletter

Third: Bulletin, Hyde Abbey Bowls Club

Educational category

Winner: Henry Beaufort Newsletter

Second: Kings Copse Primary School

Third: The Info, Southampton City College

Website category

Winner: Stockbridge Primary School (www.stockbridge.hants.sch.uk)

Second: Winchester Dramatic Society (www.chesiltheatre.org.uk)

Third: Romsey Abbey (www.romseyabbey.org.uk)

Overall winner: Sway News