The Times was heralded 'a brilliant newspaper' as the News UK title won the blue ribbon Newspaper of the Year crown at the British Press Awards in London last night.

On an evening of triumph for The Times, the paper landed eight category wins. This included a double success for Andrew Norfolk, whose investigative journalism broke the Rotherham child abuse scandal.

Judges praised The Times for being a 'consistently great paper.' They added: 'It is superb in its breadth of coverage. A brilliant newspaper.'

After leading his team on to the stage to collect the award, The Times Editor John Witherow said: "This shows me we have a brilliant team of journalists. It's a wonderful newspaper." 

Norfolk received a standing ovation as he collected the coveted News Reporter of the Year accolade.

He was praised by judges for 'a painstaking investigation' into the Rotherham scandal..

John Witherow told the audience: "I owe so much to so many brilliant people at The Times.I have been extremely lucky to be given the freedom to pursue this story.This award means a huge amount to me."

An emotional Norfolk also collected the Hugh Cudlipp Award for his Rotherham investigation.

Peter Brookes of The Times retained his Cartoonist of the Year crown, earning praise for his 'powerful and bold image of Putin' from the judges, Brookes said: "I would like to thank the Press Awards, The Times and my wife Angela but not necessarily in that order!"

In another Times triumph, Marc Aspland was named Sports Photographer of the Year. Judges praised his 'mastery of sports photography'.

On a glorious night for The Times, war zone correspondent Anthony Loyd was chosen as Broadsheet Feature Writer of the Year. Loyd, who was kidnapped, beaten and shot in war-torn Syria last year, was heralded by judges as 'the writer who became the story'.

The Times Magazine picked up the Suplement of the Year gong. Magazine Editor Nicola Jeal praised John Witherow, her deputy Celia Duncan and "the amazing columnists and writers." She added: "It is a privilege to work at The Times."

The Times columnist Matthew Parris was News UK's first winner on a memorable night.

Parris triumphed in the Political Journalist of the Year category with judges praising his 'shrewd political observation.'

He said after receiving the gong: "I am proud to write for The Times and I love getting prizes!"

There was also a double success for sister title The Sunday Times, taking News UK category wins into double figures.

The title was named News Team of the Year as judges heralded 'consistently strong, agenda-setting coverage.'

Bryan Appleyard of The Sunday Times was chosen as Broadsheet Interviewer of the Year. Judges praised his 'beautifully-written style.'

Host at the prestigious ceremony was LBC radio breakfast presenter Nick Ferrari, the former Sun Bizarre showbiz editor.