TV’s ‘Money Saving Expert’ Martin Lewis has signed up to be a columnist with a north-east regional daily.

Martin, who can be found regularly on GMTV’s sofa advising the nation how to stretch their pounds, will be writing fortnightly for Darlington-based daily The Northern Echo.

Editor Peter Barron blogged: “He’s a big name, joining us at a time when everyone is looking to tighten their belts. I hope our readers find his column valuable.”

The Scottish branch of the Campaign for the Freedom of Information is running two half-day training courses later this year.

They take place in Glasgow on 14 September and Aberdeen on 15 September and are aimed at people with a working knowledge of the legislation.

The sessions will highlight key developments in the way the main exemptions, the public interest test and the legislation’s procedural requirements are being interpreted.

Visit cfoi.org.uk to download the course leaflet.

The sixth World Conference of Science Journalists takes place later this month in Westminster.

It will bring together experts and aspiring reporters to network, debate and develop their professional skills in the field of science journalism.

It takes place from 30 June to 2 July – for details visit the conference website.

Young journalists with a keen interest in Germany can now apply for the 2009 George Weidenfeld Bursary.

Placements of either two or six weeks are on offer with a leading German media organisation with participants able to report for their home newsrooms, if the wish.

Applicants must have a strong interest in Germany and preferably a command of the language although financial support is available for tuition.

The programme starts in October and deadline for applications is 17 July.

For details and to apply visit www.ijp.org.

Places are still available at this year’s summer school run by The Centre for Investigative Journalism.

Among those lining up as guest speakers are Private Eye editor Ian Hislop, journalist and author Andrew Jennings and the Guardian’s investigations editor David Leigh.

The three-day event is aimed at anyone wishing to upgrade their journalism skills with topics covering internet research, working in dangerous environments and effective use of the Freedom of Information Act.

It runs from 17 to 19 July at City University, London – for details and to book visit tcij.org.