The Awards, held for the first time this year, have attracted more than 110 entries from media students throughout the East and West Midlands, with newspapers, magazines and radio and television stations offering internships to the winners of the various categories.

A BBC journalist for over 20 years, Mary is herself a former journalism student at what is now Birmingham City University. After graduating, she started her career at BBC Hereford and Worcester, the county where she grew up.

Mary worked as a reporter in local radio for four years before moving to London to join Five Live. A love of sport led her to present and report for national BBC radio and television for over ten years, covering events including Olympics, Cricket World Cup and Wimbledon.

One of the first faces on BBC News 24 at its launch, Mary quickly moved on to present on BBC Breakfast, One, Six and Ten o’clock News. She also presented sport on Radio 4’s flagship Today programme. Alongside sport, Mary was a presenter on BBC 1’s live Sunday morning magazine programme Heaven and Earth.

After moving back to the Midlands, Mary returned to her news roots to present current affairs programme Inside Out alongside BBC Midlands Today.

Heart FM presenter Ed James, who is chairman of the Press Club, will host the Awards. He said: “It’s great that Mary will be there to present the main award of the evening. As a former journalism student herself, I am sure she will have some sound advice and encouragement to give to those about to set out on a career path.”

The Awards, sponsored by Purple Frog Property with support from Real People Communications, Express & Star and Bournville College, are being held at The Studio in Cannon Street, Birmingham, on the evening of April 14th.