The Romford Recorder has been celebrating after helping a local charity reach its £1.1m target to help special needs children and their families.
The cash, raised in the past two years, will allow First Step to renovate a dilapidated school building into the charity’s new home.

Former Press & Journal reporter Alastair Bisset has been signing copies of his book A Stroll Along the Bisset Beat, which chronicles his 40 years of work at the Aberdeen newspaper.
Proceeds from his book are going to the Oaks hospice in Elgin and the Elgin Rotary Club.

A third-year BA Journalism student from the University of Central Lancashire has landed his first job in radio – even though he has yet to graduate.
Liam O’Leary has been handed a freelance contract with BBC Radio Lancashire after impressing on two weeks of work experience. His work involves getting BBC projects into the community and gives training in production and journalism.

Huddersfield University is to host an open day for women interested in getting into sports writing and broadcasting.
BBC Look North sports reporter Tanya Arnold and The Sun’s rugby league journalist Julie Stott will be there to offer advice at the event on Wednesday March 8.

The Liverpool Echo has announced that it is to launch a young citizen’s trophy to keep alive the memory of murdered teenager Anthony Walker, who was killed last year in a race attack.
The Anthony Walker Citizenship trophy will go to young people from Merseyside who have made an outstanding contribution in their own community.

Youngsters had the chance to find out about local newspapers when a reporter from the Welwyn and Hatfield Times visited them for a question-and-answer session.
Kelly-Ann Kiernan had the tables turned when she was interviewed by the 7th Welwyn Guides unit.