ARE you a budding journalist looking to get your work published?

If so this could be your chance to get your story published in your Worcester News and win a cash prize.

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the NCTJ – the National Council for the Training of Journalists – we have teamed up with regional newspapers across the country to find the journalism stars of the future.

All you have to do is write a 200-word article about events or issues in your local community, school or college, or your family, and send it to us.

The winning entry will be published in your Worcester News, along with a feature on the winning writer and will appear on the NCTJ’s website – nctj.com.

It will also be submitted to a national final, to be judged by members of the NCTJ board and the winning student will be awarded a cheque for £250 courtesy of the NCTJ and the Society of Editors, plus a week of work experience and support and advice about a career in journalism.

All the winners will also receive an award certificate.

The competition coincides with Local Newspaper Week – the Newspaper Society’s annual celebration of the strength of the regional and local press in the UK.

This year the campaign will highlight how local newspapers act as champions of their communities, galvanising their readers into action, supporting local businesses and taking pride in their local area.

The competition is open to anyone aged 16-18. Entries must be original, unpublished work and include at least one direct quote as the result of an interview.

Entries should be sent to Stephanie Preece, the News Editor, Worcester News, Hylton Road, Worcester WR2 5JX.

Please include your name, age, address and contact telephone number. The closing date for entries is Friday, May 27. For a full list of terms and conditions visit nctj.com.

The NCTJ is dedicated to providing a world-class education and training system which develops current and future journalists for the demands of a fast-changing multi-media industry. There are more than 70 NCTJ-accredited journalism courses around the country at a mix of universities, colleges and commercial centres.