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We don't get let out that often, but last Saturday (18 February 2012) we were at the annual gathering of the region's media glitterati at the .

It was a great year for the ´óÏó´«Ã½!

Inside Out was named Best Current Affairs Production for our coverage of serious lapses in the quality of care at Southern Cross Care Homes. The company has since folded.

Our department also picked up Best Factual Production for our documentary on American billionaire Bob Rich who stepped in to save the Bedlington Terriers football team. In this category we were up against stiff network competition, so were delighted to be shortlisted never mind collect the title.

Our regular cameraman Steve Paton picked up the craft award for Professional Excellence in Photography.

As well as filming lots of our Inside Out stories, Steve makes natural history films with on The One Show.

I happened to be presenting that award category so was delighted to be reading his name out on the big night.

Our colleagues at Look North also picked up a raft of awards.

As well as winning Best Regional News Programme, Sharon Barbour was named Best Journalist, was awarded Best Newcomer and Jon Roberts who works behind the scenes picked up a trophy for Best Production.

Receiving recognition from your peers is of course a welcome honour, but the real delight is that we get praise directly from our viewers.

We get lots of emails and letters, and it's such a privilege when I'm out filming that people want to stop what they're doing to come up and say hello.

When people go up to collect their RTS awards, acceptance speeches aren't allowed, but at least here on my blog I am unfettered so I can say on behalf of the whole Inside Out team - THANK YOU to you for supporting us.

On tonight's show (Monday, 20 January 2012) your award-winning team bring you a personal story of a young carer, disquiet over how council homes are run in Northumberland and a monster mystery in the lakes.

Feel free to add your comments to the blog!