Surrey Life staff writer Matthew Williams has been named Journalist of the Year at the Guildford Life with Style awards 2008/2009. Find the full results here...

Surrey Life staff writer Matthew Williams has been named Journalist of the Year at an awards ceremony in the county. The 24-year-old, who joined the Archant-owned magazine a year-and-a-half ago, scooped the top gong at the Guildford Life with Style Awards, which celebrates those who make the biggest contribution to life in Surrey's county town. During the presentation, held at the Mandolay Hotel in Guildford, the judges said Matthew had written a series of excellent features and praised his "warm and engaging style that made you want to read on..." They also highlighted the work he had done to promote the CHASE children's hospice in Guildford. Entries to the awards were judged by a panel of senior executives from organisations across the area. "We are very proud of Matt's success, which is also a great credit to his editor, Caroline Harrap, and the South East group editor, Jonathan Keeble," said Suzanne Heaven, regional managing director, Archant Life South East & East. "'Team Surrey', as they are nicknamed in our region, frequently lead the way in innovative and creative work, with a good focus on what their readership really wants."

The results of Guildford Life with Style 2008/2009 awards in full were: 1. Best Cultural or Community Event of the Year sponsored by The Mandolay Hotel, won by Junior Summer Fitness Challenge, Guildford Spectrum. The runner-up was Discover Drama, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. The Family Festival run by The Electric Theatre was highly commended. 2. Best Restaurant, Bar or Entertainment Venue Award sponsored by The Surrey Advertiser was won by Carlo's Trattoria. The runner-up was The YMCA Restaurant. 3. Customer Service Award sponsored by Guildford Borough Council, won by Terry Johnson, Ticket Office Clerk, South West Trains. The runner-up was Carebase Ltd. Lavleen Rehncy of Lloyds Pharmacy was also highly commended. 4. Community Neighbour Award sponsored by Home was won by Janet Robins. The runner-up was Ron Chapman. 5. Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by The University of Surrey, won by Kate Craig-Wood, Memset. Runner-up was Paul Nathanson, PNPR. Kate Lester, Diamond Logistics was highly commended. 6. Guildford Green Award sponsored by Surrey Research Park was won by Thomson Ecology. Runner-up for the award was the Allianz Insurance and the Birtley House Group was highly commended. 7. Journalist of the Year Award is sponsored by Prowse & Company and was won by Matthew Williams, Surrey Life. Runner-up was Claire Mewse of The Eagle. 8. Leisure Attraction of the Year sponsored by Surrey Life was won by Loseley Park. The runner-up was Guildford Town Guides. RHS Wisley was also highly commended. 9. Sports Team of the Year Award sponsored by Charles Russell, was won by Simon Davies, Head Coach, Mini Guildfordians Rugby Club. The runner-up was Guildford Heat. Guildford Flames were highly commended.