Four budding journalists from across England have travelled to Brussels to put senior European ministers and commissioners under the spotlight after winning a charity competition.

The youngsters are meeting the EU decision makers after taking part in a writing contest led by the British Council, and will report directly from the European Summit during a three-day all expenses paid trip.

Jack Candeland from Thorpe St Andrews School in Norwich, Elizabeth Sreeves from the Ridgeway School in Wiltshire, Matthew Jowers from The Billericay School in Essex and Clare Burke from Bradford Grammar School won their prize after writing an article on the topic What has the EU done for me?

The competition for 11-19 year-olds aims to encourage young Europeans to think critically about the European Union.

European Commission vice-president Margot Wallstrom, a competition judge who will be interviewed by the winners in Brussels, said: "The competition winners will have the chance to gain invaluable journalistic experience at the various meetings and press conferences they will be attending, surrounded by heads of government and the international media.

"The standard of entries was very high this year and the students demonstrated extensive knowledge of EU affairs so I am looking forward to reading their reports and hearing their views of the whole experience."

The four winners from England will be joined by three competition winners from Finland, which currently holds the Presidency of the EU.

Winners were selected by a panel of judges from the British Council, the Hansard Society and the European Commission.