Some 40 candidates out of 59 sitting the National Qualification in Journalism made the grade as senior reporters and achieved a pass after the November set of exams.

It was the lowest ever number to sit the NQJ (formerly called the NCE) reflecting a contraction in the regional newspaper industry.

In 2005/2006 some 535 reporters took the NCTJ senior journalist qualification.

In 2015/2016 the number taking this test fell to 216.

To pass the NQJ candidates must be successful in all four sections: interview, media law and practice, logbook and news report.

Chief examiner Steve Nelson said: “The low entry probably reflects the shrinking newspaper industry. However, it is expected that the number of candidates will show a small rise for the next sitting in March.

“The November sitting is always that bit more special for those candidates who achieve a pass because it makes for a fantastic early Christmas present.”

Those passing passing the NQJ:

• Philippa Allen-Kinross – Wimbledon Guardian
• Lucy Ball – Buxton Advertiser
• Jordan Bluer – Dover Express
• Enfys Bosworth – Tivyside Advertiser
• Georgina  Campbell – Oxford Mail
• Victoria Castle – Kentish Express
• Saul Cooke-Black Stroud – News & Journal
• Dan  Cooper – Newbury Weekly News
• Elaine Davies – Lincolnshire Echo
• Grace Earl Weston – Worle & Somerset Mercury
• Isobel Frodsham – Leicester Mercury
• Alistair Grant – Edinburgh Evening News
• Naomi  Herring – Oxford Mail
• Amber Hicks – Swindon Advertiser
• Louise Hill – Bracknell News
• Daniel  Holland – The Bolton News
• Rachel Howarth – Knutsford Guardian
• Maria Hudd – Eastbourne Gazette
• Charlotte Jones – Lincolnshire Echo
• Simon  Leonard – Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph
• Kenneth Lomas – Middlewich Guardian
• Sarah Marshall – Doncaster Free Press
• Connor McLoughlin – Henley Standard
• Kate  McMullin – The Bolton News
• Gemma Mitchell – East Anglian Daily Times
• Rebecca Murphy – Eastern Daily Press
• Tara O’Connor – Baylis Media
• Christopher Ord – Newbury Weekly News
• Jemma Page – Nottingham Evening Post
• Alex  Peace – Dorset Echo
• Lewis  Pennock – Bristol Evening Post
• Matt Reason – East Anglian Daily Times
• Candice Ritchie – Surrey Advertiser
• George Ryan – Eastern Daily Press
• Kit Sandeman – Burton Mail
• Bethany Sharp – Southern Daily Echo
• Gemma Sherlock – Lancaster Guardian
• Hannah Somerville – Oxford Mail
• Daniel Windham – Harrogate Advertiser
• Ashleigh Withall-Prince – Ripley & Heanor News
• Leanne Bagnall – The Sentinel.