Dorset Echo reporter Ian McDonald has been named Highbury College’s outstanding pre-entry newspaper journalism student for 2006.

The 22-year-old is to receive the James Arlott Memorial Award after being chosen by lecturers at the Portsmouth college.

Ian, who joined the Echo as a trainee reporter in August after completing his journalism course, said he was delighted with the award.

He said: “I was shocked to receive the award but it was a fantastic surprise.”

Echo editor David Murdock added: “Congratulations to Ian on his excellent achievement.”

Ian will receive the award during a ceremony at the college’s library lecture theatre tomorrow.

It was established to commemorate cricket commentator John Arlott’s son James, a Highbury student whose life was cut short in an accident.

Ian’s award follows that of Echo reporter Mary Griffin who scooped the Esso award for the best news report paper in the October 2006 National Certificate Examination.