A new project to boost the number of community and voluntary sector stories in the regional press is being set up.

The Media Trust - an organisation that helps charities to communicate - has secured Home Office Funding for a Community Newswire.

The project is in its early stages and the organisation is seeking a manager to help set up and run the service, which will run with The Press Association.

It is envisaged that the Press Association will employ two journalists to run the new wire from its Yorkshire offices.

The Media Trust's community newswire manager will work with groups to encourage and support their use of the wire and encourage a diverse range of voluntary and community organisations to supply the PA with press material.

That work will include increasing the number of media professionals giving free and voluntary support to the groups.

They will also support the Trust's matching service linking journalists who volunteer their time with voluntary organisations.

The Media Trust will be advertising the
£28,000-30,000 position shortly, but is looking for someone to start work on the project while recruitment gets under way. Strong journalistic, communications, and project management skills are required.

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail pastill@nep.co.uk