NOMINATIONS GALORE FOR HTV WEST

THREE programmes from HTV West, the ITV Broadcasters for the West of England, have been nominated in award ceremonies.
‘Just Desserts’, a 30-minute drama, screened last summer has been nominated for the ‘Regional Programme Award’ at the Royal Television Society Awards to be held on March 20. By acclaimed producer Vadim Jean, the drama features one girl's attempt to redress the balance of society.
In the BT West of England Media Awards, ‘Skies of Ice’ by reporter Patrick O'Hagan and ‘Betty's Story’ by Anouk Curry have also gained nominations in the category of ‘Regional Programme of the Year’.
‘Skies of Ice’ followed explorer David Hempleman-Adams record-breaking solo open-basket balloon trip across the North Pole. HTV West News secured exclusive pictures of the balloon's trip crossing the roof of the world.
‘Betty's Story’ told the moving story of a five-year-old girl and her determination to get away from the castle in Transylvannia where she had been abandoned. At her home in an orphanage in Romania she would shuffle along on her bottom in order to move. Brought to Bristol by the charity Holding Out Hope they arranged for her to have an operation to straighten out her legs, but by the time she was due to return she had won the hearts of a Thornbury family who were now desperate to adopt her.
Controller and Director of Regional Programme at HTV West Sandra Jones said: "The calibre of our programmes is regularly marked by Festivals and Awards, but on this occasion it's gratifying to see the hard work of the drama team being recognised too. The creative state of play is such that we feel ready to take our drama forward to new markets."
Also gaining a nomination is Current Affairs Journalist Alison Delaney in the category of ‘Regional Journalist of the Year’. The BT Regional Awards will be held on April 6. If HTV are successful they will then go on to the national awards to be held later in the year. (CD)