A training partnership between Darlington College of Technology and publishing group Newsquest has been shortlisted for a top education award.

Budding Newsquest journalists from all over the country are trained at Darlington College, which has a national reputation for journalism and media training and which has been recently designated a Centre of Vocational Excellence by the Learning and Skills Council.

The partnership between the college and Newsquest involves the completion of the prestigious Newsquest Diploma in Journalism.

It is this joint venture that has led to the shortlisting for a Beacon Award for Business Excellence in Collaboration with Further Education, which is awarded annually by the national Association of Colleges.

The Beacon Assessors visited the college in September and the announcement of the winner will be made at the Association conference in November.

College external relations director Sue Campbell said: "We have been working with Newsquest for about three years and have developed a training programme which is the envy of many.

"Our examination results with Newsquest trainees are among the best, if not the best, in the country and it is very pleasing to have this partnership recognised by the Association in this way.

"Just to be shortlisted is a success in itself in what is a very competitive field."

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