Jeremy Clarkson and former Doncaster Free Press reporter named among Britain's most respected journalists

The former Top Gear star, who writes for The Sun and The Sunday Times, was one of 238 journalists named in the rundown by the NCTJ '“ The National Council for the Training of Journalists.

Meanwhile, The Sun's head of content, Steve Kennedy, who began his career as a trainee reporter at the Doncaster Free Press in the 90s, was also named on the list.

Mr Kennedy was appointed as the tabloid's head of content in 2014 but began his career at Doncaster in the early 90s before joining the Newcastle Evening Chronicle and then moving into national newspapers.

Journalists were asked to pick who they most respect in the media as part of the NCTJ's Journalists at Work 2018 survey, which was carried out earlier this year.

They were asked which living journalist they felt most embodies the values of journalism that they respect and adhere to.

Nominated journalists include well-known names from a number of broadcasters and national newspapers, as well as reporters from local and regional press, magazines and independent publications.

Ian Hargreaves, professor of digital economy at Cardiff University, who chaired the Journalists at Work research, which will be published at the end of October, said: 'Journalists see colleagues all around them whose commitment to the right values they admire and respect.

'What's striking is that the range of individual journalists who embody these values is so broad and so varied.

'This suggests to me that values-based journalism is thriving in these turbulent times.

The journalist who received the most nominations will be announced as the charity's patron next week.

Joanne Butcher, chief executive of the NCTJ, said: 'We wanted to steer clear of inviting a celebrity or royalty to become our patron.

'Instead, we wanted somebody who really resonates with journalists, shares the NCTJ's values, and cares about the future of quality journalism and high standards.

'So, who better than the most widely respected journalist, as voted for by those working in the industry - the journalist's journalist.

'By appointing a patron, we hope to raise awareness of the NCTJ's charitable work, from delivering the premier training scheme for journalists in the UK, to working with the industry to improve equality, diversity and inclusion.'

Clarkson spent his early years growing up in Doncaster and lived in Burghwallis.

Born to teacher Shirley Gabrielle Clarkson and travelling salesman Edward Grenville Clarkson, the couple, who ran a business selling tea cosies, put their son's name down in advance for private schools with no idea how they were going to pay the fees.

But when he was 13, they made two Paddington Bear stuffed toys for each of their children and the bears proved so popular that they started selling them through the business with sufficient success to be able to pay the fees for Clarkson to attend Hill House School and later Repton School from which he was expelled, by his own admission for 'drinking, smoking and generally making a nuisance of himself.'

His first job was as a travelling salesman for his parents' business selling the Paddington Bear toys and later trained as a journalist with the Rotherham Advertiser, before also writing for the Rochdale Observer, Wolverhampton Express and Star, Lincolnshire Life, Shropshire Star and Associated Kent Newspapers.

He went on to set up his own motoring press agency.

Clarkson's first TV role came in 1988 when he first appeared on Top Gear and since, the Burghwallis born host has become a household name along with colleagues James May and Richard Hammond, making waves around the world with his outspoken views.

Who made the list of the most respected journalists? Click here to find out.