A trainee reporter who started his first newspaper job just a month ago has seen his story splashed across the front page of the nationals.

James Coxon, who joined the Derby Evening Telegraph last month, says he is "still wet behind the ears" but knew immediately that he had a big story when he heard about the jobless dad of 14 who wanted a bigger council home for his wife, mistress and children.

And after the story appeared in the local paper on Tuesday, it was lifted by all the nationals yesterday - including the Daily Star, which ran it on the front page under an 'exclusive' tag.

After receiving a tip-off, James - who recently completed a fast-track NCTJ course at Norton College in Sheffield - tracked down Mick Philpott's mother and persuaded her to give him the dad of 14's phone number.

He then spent an hour chatting on the phone to Mick, who told him the country is "going down the pan" because the council can't find him a house bigger than his current four-bedroom pad.

James, (23), told HoldtheFrontPage: "The story started off small but as I learnt more and more it grew and grew.

"Because I'm inexperienced I turned to the newsdesk who guided me through, so it was a team effort, but they were good enough not to take it away from me."

Following the story the Derby paper has also been inundated with phone calls from numerous press agencies, radio stations and TV shows including Richard and Judy and the The Jeremy Kyle Show.

Readers have also been clamouring to contact the paper with their views, with many accusing the dad of being lazy and wasting taxpayers' money.

James said: "I'm still learning but I know you don't get many stories like this. It has been a big learning curve.

"When I was at Sheffield Norton a month ago I wouldn't have thought that one of my stories would already be in the nationals.

"I've been very lucky."

Norton College journalism tutor Terry Wootton said: "I'm delighted that James has dug up such a good story.

"He was always as keen as mustard and ready to spend 24-hours on a story that grabbed his attention.

"He is a gritty little news gatherer with a good nose for a story and a competent interviewer who can dig up all the facts and colour.

"I'm glad he's performing so well on his paper and I'm sure he will continue to produce the goods."

---

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