The Sun has scooped a top newspaper award. Judges awarded The Sun the title of Daily Newspaper of the Year. The paper landed the coveted prize at the prestigious London Press Awards held at Claridge’s Hotel in London.

It beat off competition from the Financial Times and News International stablemate The Times which were also nominated for the award.

The gong was reward for a string of cracking exclusives and brilliant campaigns.

Sensational splashes included an investigation into coffee giant Starbucks (pictured) and revealing soccer star Ashley Cole to be a love cheat.

The paper also paid tribute to our brave armed forces by launching the Millies – awards for troops serving Queen and country with distinction.

And more than a million Sun readers put their names to a petition to get justice for tragic Baby P.

Sun editor Rebekah Wade said: "It's now finally official!  As we approach our 40th birthday, The Sun has been awarded Newspaper of the Year by The London Press Club.

"While our readers have always been the barometer of our huge success, congratulations to everyone for contributing to a great achievement and another year where The Sun has truly shone."