A bursary to help a student embarking on a career in journalism has been awarded by Archant Anglia, in memory of former Royston Crow editor Fred Sillence.

The £500 grant has been given to 24-year-old modern languages graduate Amanda Breen (pictured), who will begin the 20-week fast-track NCTJ course at Harlow College later this month.

She will then join one of the seven newspapers owned by Archant Anglia when the course finishes in June.

It is the fourth time the bursary has been awarded since former editor Fred died in August 1999.

Fred was editor of the Crow from 1965 to 1981, and when he retired he told colleagues: “I’d choose the same career if I had my time again.”

Mike Almond, managing editor of Archant Anglia, said: “Fred cared passionately about journalism. This bursary has been our way of saying thank you for being an inspiration and for helping so many young people start their careers.”

The previous Sillence Bursary students are: 2002-2003 Carla Challis, now working for the Crow in Royston; 2001-2002 Catherine Bell, now working for the Hunts Post; 2000-2001 Duncan Sandes, now working for the Crow in Royston.