A group of News Associates trainee reporters got a taste of covering election nights by contributing to a live blog from eight different council counts.

The 20 students, who are studying for the NCTJ’s Multimedia Diploma in Journalism, contributed to Mancunian Matters – a Manchester news website edited by News Associates journalist David Keane.

Eight council counts were attended by the trainees, with them constantly updating a live blog and Twitter feed until the results were announced, when they then supplied quotes, reaction and stories.

James Toney, managing editor at News Associates, said: “It was a great team performance and hopefully it’s been an invaluable experience for our trainees – both as they prepare for their forthcoming public affairs examinations and start putting together their portfolios.”