A third year student journalist’s scoop was splashed on the front page of the Lancashire Evening Post.

Amanda

Amanda Smith, (21), from the University of Central Lancashire, wrote the story about proposed speed humps for her course paper, The Preston Independent – but realised it had the potential to go further.

The story, The Final Insult, focused on how speed bumps affect funeral directors and bus drivers.

She found the idea when she was handed a leaflet which outlined how an area could be improved for cyclists and pedestrians.

But she found that the details were vague and when she followed it up found there was much more to it.

Amanda said: “It is understandable why the area should be improved for pedestrians and cyclists, but this plan didn’t seem consider the effect it could have on motorists, particularly funeral directors and bus drivers.

“I sent it to the news editor at the Evening Post because I have been there on placement and I knew it was the type of story they would be interested in.

“But I couldn’t believe it when I got a call to say it was going to be the splash.

“I have written a lot of stories for the paper before, but to get a front page when I’m still a student is amazing.”

Lancashire Evening Post news editor Blaise Tapp said: “Speed hump stories are an old favourite of newspapers everywhere but Amanda gave us a fresh angle. She is one of the more proactive students we have come across.”

Journalism lecturer Delwyn Swingewood said: “Amanda is one of our most talented student journalists and she has a great career ahead.”