A former Rocky Mount Telegram sports editor has earned two national writing awards.

Clifton Barnes, a Rocky Mount native was recognized by Washington-based Communications Concepts in its 2011 Awards for Publication Excellence competition. Barnes was the only national winner in the news release category and was the only N.C. writer honored in the news writing category.

The news release award recognized his profile of Noble Barnes, a 45-year member of the Washington Redskins Marching Band. Written shortly after Barnes’ death, the story prompted regional TV, print and Internet coverage of the bandsman’s role with the professional football team.

The news writing award recognized a report on disaster and emergency preparedness in Bar Leader, a magazine published by the American Bar Association.

Barnes has received more than 70 journalism awards.

Barnes is a freelance writer, editor and Web developer in Cary. He also runs the websites capitalsportsnc.com and cb3media.com/heelprints. He also has served as communication director for the N.C. Bar Association from 1987 to 2002 and with the N.C. Press Association.

He is the son of W.C. and Lorraine Barnes, formerly of Rocky Mount.