The tenth Scottish Student Press Awards has been launched by The Herald this week.

There are new categories among the prize list and competition is set to be strong.

The contest aims to showcase, reward and develop the best student writing and publishing in Scotland.

Herald editor Charles McGhee said: “Once again we are delighted to be hosting the Scottish Student Press Awards.

”Our industry is always seeking fresh talent and this is a superb opportunity for journalism students to begin to make their mark in the professional world.”

The main award of Student Journalist of the Year offers a £500 prize, a trophy and a four-week paid placement within The Herald’s editorial department. The other categories are Best News Writer, £250, Best Features Writer, £250, Best Sports Writer, £250, Best Photographer, £250, Best Production, £250, Best College Publication, £500, Best Magazine, £500, and Best Newspaper, £500.

This year, Best Production replaces the former Best Design category to encourage student journalists and editors to raise the standard of production in their publications.

Best Photographer has also been reintroduced this year, with the judging panel hoping to identify an individual with a natural talent for media work.

The contest will again be sponsored by the Scottish Qualifications Authority and, for the first time, by Lloyds TSB Scotland.

The awards are open to all students at Scottish higher or further education establishments. All work must have appeared in a student publication such as a student newspaper or magazine and must have been published after May 1, 2005. Entry forms are available from Clare Walshe on 0141 302 7407.