A bursary to help a student embarking on a career in journalism is to be awarded this year for the third time.

The £500 grant in memory of former Royston Crow editor Fred Sillence, who died in August 1999, will be awarded to a local person accepted for one of the NCTJ-accredited journalism courses starting at various colleges this Autumn.

Mike Almond, managing editor, Herts & Essex, of Archant Anglia, which publishes the Royston Crow and several other weekly newspapers, said: "Fred cared passionately about journalism. This bursary is our way of saying thank you for being an inspiration and for helping so many young people start their careers."

Fred was editor of the Crow from 1965 to 1981. Journalism was such a large part of his life that he marked his retirement in 1981 by telling colleagues: "I'd choose the same career if I had my time again."

Catherine Bell, who comes from Somersham near Huntingdon, was the winner of the second bursary in 2001.

She is half way through her one-year pre-entry course at Harlow College.

Catherine said: "I am still grateful for the amazing opportunity I have been given.

"Knowing I have a job waiting for me is something I am thankful for everyday. It has given me peace of mind and allowed me to concentrate 100% on my studies instead of worrying about the future.

"The bursary has also given me a sense of financial security. Every month, £50 of the £500 I was awarded is paid into my account. It doesn't sound a lot, but when funds are running low I can rest assured that I will never be completely broke!"

For more information on the bursary, please visit the Crow website or contact Mike Almond on 01763 250224.

Back to the training index

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