The next generation of journalists has met training chiefs at the first student council.

And the landmark meeting was described as "a hugely useful exercise" by Joanne Butcher, chief executive of the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

Joanne said: "Students are investing in their futures when they join NCTJ-accredited courses because they value the brand and share our commitment to vocational training of the highest standard.

"We take their views very seriously and will be acting on the many constructive ideas we received regarding exams, standards, league tables, courses of excellence, communication and the promotion of professional qualifications."

Twenty students from colleges across the UK met at the Manchester Evening News offices to debate issues such as work experience and online journalism with industry bigwigs and key staff from the NCTJ.

Glen Davies, from Nottingham Trent University, wrote a special report for holdthefrontpage about the day. To read his account, click here.

The panel included NCTJ chairman Kim Fletcher, group editor of Guardian Media Weeklies Richard Catlow and Society of Editors executive director Bob Satchwell.

The students were also given a guided tour by of the newsroom by MEN editor Paul Horrocks before splitting into groups to discuss their courses and feedback to senior NCTJ managers.

Four representatives of the new council were elected and will present students' views to the NCTJ board of directors in June.

They are: Jennifer Cauley of Glasgow Caledonian University, Richard Frost of Liverpool Community College, Karl Holliland of Harlow College and Louise Steggals of the University of Central Lancashire.

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