Journalism students with a conscience could win cash and see their work published in a national newspaper.

The Co-operative Group is challenging anyone studying journalism to write a feature based around one of their five social goals – climate change, social inclusion, tackling crime, food ethics and modern co-operation.

The overall winner, picked from eight regional finalists, will receive £3,000 and see their article published in The Independent.

The seven other regional finalists will win £1,000 and read their story in Co-operative News.

Head of public relations Russ Brady said: "The Co-operative's social goals focus on many of the big issues facing all of us today, giving prospective environment, crime, health, business or social affairs correspondents some rich topics to get their teeth into.

"We urge any journalism student with a flair for intelligent, challenging and thought-provoking writing and a passion for investigation and research, to take this opportunity to get their talent noticed."

The competition is open to students of any age on a media course at university, college or school.

Entries must be between 750 and 1,000 words and submitted by April 1, 2008.

For more information visit www.co-operative.co.uk/studentjournalistawards or call 0161 827 5281.