A regional news journalist from Norway has won the Concentra 2008 Award for videojournalism for his portrayal of a night in a old people's care home.

Idar Eduin Krogstad, a reporter and videojournalist with NRK Ostafjells, beat competition from Associated Press and Washingtonpost.com video journalists to claim the €10,000 prize for The Nightwatch.

The 34-year-old, who joined NRK in 1997, said the award showed that 'a safe corner of the world' could produce engaging stories for videojournalists.

"It was just a story of life and death. The best stories are going on in front of the camera. It is about being in the right place at the right time," said Krogstad.

A second award was given to British videojournalist and Al-Jazeera correspondent Tony Birtley after the judges decided a separate category for breaking news video was required.

Birtley's footage of the military crackdown on anti-government protests in Burma last year was praised for its access to the news, as he was one of only a small number of television reporters to get into the country.

"I'm a great supporter of videojournalism as the way ahead. Video journalists are often unsung heroes of the television news business and they are helping the disappearing world to disappear not quite as fast," said Birtley on collecting his award.

For full details of the winners and nominees visit the Concentra 2008 Award website.

Free daily newsletter

If you like our news and feature articles, you can sign up to receive our free daily (Mon-Fri) email newsletter (mobile friendly).