BBC Newsline 'is best news show'

Presenters Donna Traynor and Noel Thompson collected the award

BBC Newsline has picked up the award for best news programme at the fifth Irish Film and Television Awards.

The annual awards were held in Dublin's Gaiety Theatre on Sunday night. They recognise excellence across the island of Ireland and internationally.

It was BBC Newsline's special programme on devolution which won the award for best news programme.

Presenters Donna Traynor and Noel Thompson were in Dublin to receive the award.

"It took 800 years to make that programme - it's probably the longest gestation in history," joked Noel.

BBC Northern Ireland controller Peter Johnston said: "It's a fantastic achievement for BBC Newsline, considering the standards being set and the calibre of nominees.

In pictures

"It's a reflection of the professionalism of our news teams and their dedication to producing quality output that we can be proud of.

"And it's also a reflection of our commitment to producing the best possible programmes for our audiences."

An Irish language movie with strong Northern Ireland links - Kings - picked up five awards, and the TV series The Tudors won a record seven awards.

The Armagh cinematographer Seamus McGarvey was also recognised for his work on the Oscar-nominated movie Atonement.

But the star of the show was Mel Gibson who was honoured for his outstanding contribution to world cinema.