A free six-month journalism course is on offer to unemployed Londoners thanks to a European funding initiative.

Candidates can take their first steps up the ladder towards a career in radio or print journalism by gaining their City & Guilds Certificate in Media Techniques Journalism and Radio Competencies, through CSV Media.

The next course starts on July 2 and anyone interested in taking part is being urged to apply as soon as possible.

More information - and application forms - can be obtained from Debbie Smith on 020 7643 1373.

The training will cover basic writing skills for newspapers and magazines, from hard news to reviews, and includes law and desktop publishing.

Students will also learn how to write for radio, how to interview, use a radio studio and how to present a radio programme.