The Campaign for Freedom of Information is holding two training courses in London, on December 14 and January 26, to help campaigners, journalists and others make effective use of the Freedom of Information Act.
The courses are also open to public authorities and others who may find that it widens their perspective as well as providing practical guidance on the legislation. Further information can be obtained at http://www.cfoi.org.uk/training.html

City AM, the free morning daily newspaper aimed at London's city and business community, has appointed Michael Glackin, the former managing editor of the Daily Star in Beirut, as news editor.
His previous positions include business editor of the Scotsman and a stint at BBC World.

A host of celebrities, including Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren, were among a 700-strong audience for the npower Local Heroes Awards 2005, which the Northern Echo runs to reward grassroots sport in the North-East.
Editor Peter Barron compered the evening, where Darlington and Hartlepool managers David Hodgson and Martin Scott, Ashes hero Gary Pratt, Durham cricket coach Martyn Moxon, and former world boxing champion Glenn McCrory joined the public.

A leading baby charity is backing a high-profile campaign in the Southern Daily Echo to alert parents of the dangers of sleeping with their babies.
The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths praised the Daily Echo for alerting parents to the dangers of sharing a bed with babies and also thanked Hampshire police for committing to launch its own awareness campaign in the new year.

A new product from Cleland Thom’s journalism training organisation will enable your reporters to use the Freedom of Information Act to turn up some great stories.
It contains 150 story ideas that you will be able to use – and tells people what to ask who, with each one.