The Express & Star has struck gold with the popular Spotlight Awards.

Last year’s campaign won the Event of the Year title in the prestigious Newspaper Society Circulation, Editorial and Promotions Awards for 2008.

The newspaper beat off five shortlisted challengers to win the award at a ceremony held in the stylish surroundings of Crewe Hall in Cheshire.

The judges commented on the high standard of entries in this category, awarding two joint second places before announcing the Express & Star as the winner.

The Spotlight Awards celebrate the best entertainment and leisure venues in the region and the judges commended the campaign for its strong branding, great coverage in the newspaper and huge reaction from readers in terms of the avalanche of voting. Last year’s event, starring Gareth Gates, filled Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall.

The Spotlight Awards also earned the Express & Star a bronze trophy for Promotional Campaign of the Year.

Voting has finished for this year’s Spotlight Awards, which will be held at the Civic on Sunday, May 4.

Anton du Beke and Erin Boag from TV’s Strictly Come Dancing are the star performers, supported by soul singer Beverley Trotman and boyband Futureproof, both finalists in the last series of X Factor.

Legendary Black Country rocker Noddy Holder will be a guest of honour.

E&S promotions manager Viv Birch said: “Although the Express & Star drives this promotion, we get enormous support from our partners. Heart FM allow their main presenters to compere the awards evening and Wolverhampton Civic is one of the best venues around. Sponsorship from Black Country Tourism is also a great bonus.

“Best of all, each year ticket proceeds are handed over to the Variety Club to help disadvantaged children locally.”

Balcony seats for this year’s awards are still available from Midland Box Office on 0870 320 7000, priced at £7.