The sixth annual bursary in memory of a former newspaper editor has been handed out to a young journalism hopeful.

Seventeen-year-old Tom Jackson is the youngest person to date to receive a £500 grant which is awarded anually in memory of former Royston Crow editor Fred Sillence, who died in August 1999.

Tom (pictured) decided to follow a career in journalism after completing a work experience placement at the Cambs Times which, along with the Royston Crow, is owned by Archant.

He will begin a one-year pre-entry National Council for the Training of Journalists course at Harlow College in Essex in September, and on completion will join Archant Anglia as a trainee reporter.

He said: “I was struggling to find a suitable career, so I tried some work experience at the Cambs Times.

“I very quickly got to like the world of journalism – I found I had a good understanding of local matters and got on well with everyone who worked within the newspaper.

“I feel really privileged to have been awarded this bursary – it is great to have the support behind you.

“The bursary has also given me that extra incentive to complete the course as I could look forward to work afterwards.”

Mike Almond, managing editor, Herts & Essex, said: “Fred cared passionately about journalism.

“This bursary is our way of saying thank you for being an inspiration and for helping so many young people start their careers.”

Fred was editor of the Crow from 1965 to 1981.