More than 750 entries were submitted to the awards, which will be presented on 11 May by Nick Ferrari of LBC Radio.
Out of 22 shortlists, for categories including Digital Innovation of the Year, Scoop of the Year and Young Reporter of the Year, seven were extended.
"The judges faced a formidable task and the rare privilege of reading thousands of words gathered together in brilliant entries that reflect the variety, vitality and sheer excellence of local and regional newspapers, which are of course the best in the world," Society of Editors executive director Bob Satchwell said in a release.
"In some cases the entries were so strong in quality as well as numbers that it was simply impossible to choose only six for each shortlist."
A full shortlist can be seen on the awards website.
The national Press Awards, also organised by the Society of Editors, were held last night, with the Guardian named Newspaper of the Year.
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