Three teenagers, including one who got caught up in an armed robbery at a newsagents, have received Telegraph & Argus Newspaper Deliverer of the Year Awards for their exceptional service.

Charlotte Dowson, 15, Shane Swales, 16, and Guy Waddington, 15, beat competition from 300 candidates to win the awards and a £250 bicycle each to use on their rounds.

Charlotte received the Frees Deliverer of the Year title, while Shane was named Retail Deliverer of the Year and Guy received the Direct Deliverer of the Year accolade.

All three teenagers, who have more than four years experience of delivering the T&A and its sister Advertiser series between them, and their families got a tour to see the newspaper being printed as part of their prize.

Guy, of Wrose, Shipley, narrowly missed out on the award last year, while Shane illustrated his determination to carry on delivering papers after being caught up in an armed robbery in Old Road Newsagents while he was picking up his papers.

Shane, of Horton Bank Top, admitted he was “well chuffed” with the award. “I was surprised when they told me,” he said. “They came in with an axe and grabbed hold of me then went. I carried on delivering though that was quite scary, but I did get a day off school.”

Charlotte, of Keighley, said that she was shocked but pleased.

“I want to thank the customers who voted for me,” she added. One of her nominations read: “No matter how bad the weather is, she always has a smile and a hello to give us.”

T&A editor Perry Austin-Clarke said: “Our delivery boys and girls do a fantastic job in getting the newspaper into our readers’ hands come rain or shine but, more than that, they are our ambassadors and it’s important that they behave professionally and efficiently. So we’re delighted to be able to recognise the efforts of Charlotte, Shane and Guy who are, undoubtedly, three of the best and we are very grateful to them for all their hard work and determination to do a great job.”

One of the bikes was given by Barry Firth, of Firth Cycles in Queensbury. The other two were sponsored by Gareth Houlden, of Bespoke Paving Ltd, of Queensbury, and Pushvanti Ramji and Stephen Hunter, of the National Federation of Newsagents.

Mr Houlden said: “I am proud to sponsor this award in recognition of the good work deliverers do. I started at 13 riding my bike around neighbours’ houses, offering garden services. Now I run my own company in ground working. Due to this I understand the importance of kids getting into work at an early age and where that commitment can lead.”