The Sun has been voted the 2014 National Newspaper of the Year by independent newsagents at the National Federation of Retail Newsagents (NFRN) Awards. 

The NFRN Awards recognise excellence in the news industry and The Sun was awarded for "demonstrating excellence in product sales and marketing within the independent newsagent sector".

The UK’s most popular paper beat off competition from other finalists The Observer, Sunday Telegraph and Daily Record to land the best paper accolade.

Pictured: The team with their award

The judges commended The Sun for the strong support it gives to independent newsagents as gave a special mention to the Retail+ newsagents refit programme saying they were impressed by “the direct retail and significant interfacing with NFRN membership through the field team and associated website.”

News UK chief marketing officer Chris Duncan said:

We’re delighted to win this award which recognises our efforts to improve the relationship between The Sun and the independent channel, which represents 60 per cent of total print sales today. Any accolade from the retail trade is hard-earned, and these are the people that the majority of our customers buy from every day across all of our titles. This is a massive win and congratulations to all involved, with a special mention to the Operations teams who night after night get the papers to their door.

Commenting on the award, Paul Baxter, CEO of the NFRN, said:

The Sun is a step above other red tops currently.