The Now has been nominated for two awards in this year's provincial Ma Murray Awards competition.

Editor Beau Simpson has been named a finalist in the Community Service category for orchestrating the Now's "Junior Journalists" issue - an edition that was filled with stories, photos and drawings from Surrey elementary school students.

Also, the Now has been named a finalist in its category for General Excellence, something Simpson said the news team is particularly proud of.

"The year 2012 has been one of big changes and challenges for the newsroom, so to be recognized for our work during the year is pretty special," Simpson said.

The 2013 Ma Murray competition received almost 2,000 entries. The winners will be announced on April 20 at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond.