A Staffordshire school could become the training ground for the next generation of journalists, radio presenters and sales reps.

Maryhill High in Kidsgrove is hoping to become the county's first media arts college by bidding for specialist status.

The move would see newspaper editing, website design, video diaries, radio broadcasts and tips on customer care all become part of the school curriculum.

The school could also become a key player in re-training people made redundant from local industries.

Maryhill hopes to submit its media arts application by next spring, but first needs to find £50,000 in sponsorship to support its bid.

Winning specialist status would trigger a £100,000 capital grant from the Government, enabling Maryhill to create a media production base with interview facilities and a radio station.

There would be an extra £360,000 channelled into the school over four years to spend across the curriculum.

Developments would also include providing every classroom with cable links so the school could broadcast assemblies and other events directly to children at their desks.

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