The Belfast Telegraph's digital team is toasting success after winning an award for best use of social media by a publication.

The Northern Ireland Social Media Awards (NISMAs) are voted on by thousands of Facebook and Twitter users.

The winners are being announced this week in a video ceremony on YouTube.

Belfast Telegraph digital journalist Gary Fennelly said: "We would like to thank all our readers who voted for us.

"It means a lot to us as it's voted for by the people who use the social media websites, and that has to be the most important opinion of all.

"Liam and his team have done an excellent job organising this and we are delighted with the award."

NISMAs director Liam Killen said: "Social media opens up so many opportunities for people and businesses who aren't afraid to think outside the box.

"Everyone is on a level playing field, allowing conversations around all manner of topics between the most unlikely people - this has to be a good thing."

Mr Killen said he was impressed by the talent and enthusiasm Northern Irish businesses of all shapes and sizes have for social media.

Social media has enabled Belfast Telegraph to reach out to readers and update them directly on their PCs and mobile devices.

Twitter and Facebook pages are updated throughout the day with a selection of local, national and international news, quirky stories, sports reports and comment pieces while YouTube has enabled the newspaper to showcase video content to a new audience.

Journalists are able engage with users by gaining immediate feedback on stories and respond to comments or queries.

Websites such as Facebook also enable the newspaper to alert readers to campaigns, offers, discount coupons and promotions.

With the help of social media the Belfast Telegraph's website continues to set new benchmarks with 15m page impressions and 2m unique users per month. The newspaper will launch an iPad and iPhone edition at the end of this month.

Last year belfasttelegraph.co.uk was named Digital News Service of the Year for the UK and Ireland at the media industry's ‘Oscars', the Newspaper Awards.

You can follow Belfast Telegraph on Facebook at facebook.com/belfasttelegraph and Twitter @beltel.

The NISMA presentations can found at: nisma.co.uk. Become a fan of the Facebook page at: facebook.com/nismawards