A journalism training college has been handed £4,200 as it celebrates Beacon Status for its training excellence.

As we revealed in December, Darlington College of Technology was singled out for Beacon Status for its close links with the media industry - and was this week presented with its award.

The School of Journalism, Media and the Arts is responsible for training Newsquest trainees and teamed up with the publishers to work out its programme.

At the presentation, Newsquest's group editorial manager Margaret Strayton said: "We wanted to make sure our employees were getting more than the basic training they need and that is why we chose to link up with Darlington College of Technology.

"The proof is in our results over the past three years, with a more than 80 per cent pass rate, compared to a national average of 40 per cent."

The college was also marking the fact it has been named the only Centre of Vocational Excellence in the North-East for digital media, design and production.

Media school head Tony Metcalf said: "The award is tangible proof of how our industry partners mould the training here.

"It is all about collaboration. They tell us exactly what they want and we provide it.

"We now have media, television, radio and multi-media facilities that are unsurpassed in the North of England and among the best in the country."

The college has also been awarded £500,000 as part of its vocational excellence status, which will be used to develop courses and facilities.

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