An East Midlands university's journalism school has been handed a 'Recognised for Excellence' certificate by the European Journalism Training Association.

The University of Lincoln has been accepted for membership of EJTA, joining a prestigious body of journalism centres, schools and universities from across the UK and Europe.

EJTA was established in 1990 to stimulate discussion and good practice in journalism education and encourage student exchanges across Europe.

Lincoln's head of journalism Professor John Tulloch said: "We are delighted that, after a rigorous process of inspection, EJTA has given us membership and we are greatly honoured to be the first recipient in Europe of recognition for 'excellence'.

"We're now members of an exclusive club and will use all the opportunities this provides to share good teaching practice, develop research initiatives and promote a vibrant exchange programme for colleagues and students."

The school had to provide evidence its teaching met the criteria required to become an institutional member of EJTA.

An inspection held in the spring by the association's president was followed by a presentation to EJTA's annual conference in Sofia by programme leader Deborah Wilson. The award was decided by a unanimous vote.

Deborah Wilson said: "2009 is proving to be an outstanding year for the Lincoln School of Journalism.

"We are rigorous in ensuring we provide the best in journalism education, but to be recognised at an international level by such a respected body as EJTA gives us a resounding stamp of approval."