The Hull Daily Mail has begun its search for the latest round of recruits for a pioneering scholarship scheme which aims to give budding journalists a foot in the industry door.

The newspaper is offering wannabe reporters the chance to gain experience in the newsroom while studying for a degree, as part of a scheme run by the Mail and the University of Lincoln.

Those lucky enough to be chosen will study for a BA (Hons) degree in journalism at the university, and also spend 50 days each year at the Mail's offices to gain practical experience.

And after graduating they will then become trainee reporters and work towards their NVQ level four in newspaper journalism in order to qualify as seniors.

The successful scheme has been running since 1999 with the aim of recruiting up to three people who have lived in the Mail's circulation area for at least 10 years, and Mail journalists Andrew Morton and Christopher Parker are among those to have already completed the programme.

It was also recently given the seal of approval by legendary foreign correspondent John Pilger, who praised the unique opportunity that the scheme offered during the launch of the Lincoln School of Journalism.

He said: "I have never heard of a scheme like this, although I did train under something similar back home in Australia.

"Learning the trade at a regional newspaper like the Mail can only benefit students and will give them a definite advantage after their studies."

Mail assistant editor Paul Hartley said: "To have the scholarship scheme praised by a world famous journalist such as John Pilger is a huge compliment.

"The scheme has been running for a number of years and we have been delighted by the reporters we have, and continue to produce."