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News in brief

Coronation Street actor Julie Hesmondhalgh has spoken out in support of the campaign to prevent exiled journalist Mansoor Hassan from being deported to Pakistan.
The North East Manchester Advertiser drew attention to the plight of Mansoor and his family and was quickly backed up by the National Union of Journalists and other campaigners.


Former Nottingham Evening Post senior assistant chief reporter Harold Dewey has died, aged 94.
He began his career in journalism in Boston, Lincs, before joining the Post in 1946, where he spent much of his time on the sports desk, getting to cover Nottingham Forest’s FA Cup win in 1959.


Press coverage of human rights abuse around the world is to be recognised and rewarded at the Amnesty International Media Awards later this year.
The closing date for entries is on Friday (April 29). More details on the awards can be obtained from Loretta Freeman on 020 7814 6200, or by e-mailing [email protected]


The News & Star in Carlisle has unveiled its first potential ‘bloggers’ for its online edition.
Deputy editor Nick Turner told readers: “We would like to have a diverse range of voices on our website and offering to host blogs in this way will give people the chance to have their own corner of our website where they can let off steam or record their lives.”


The Evening Chronicle has launched a campaign to allow the Gani family to stay in the north-east after “farcical” Home Office regulations declared they should be deported.
The paper has already been inundated with letters of support for Dr Akif Gani and his wife and two children, who have been told to leave for South Africa.


The Society of Editors’ Northern Region has produced a training and careers advice leaflet for potential journalists.
It covers how to get started in the business, explains the different training routes and disciplines, and has a separate section for photographers.


Health chiefs say the Northern Echo’s Lifeblood Appeal has won the battle to prevent hospitals from running out of blood.
The paper highlighted fears a year ago that new safety regulations could threaten supplies, with some experts predicting as many as 5,000 regular donors would be ineligible. But the campaign has ensured there has been no fall in stocks.