The Orwell Prize for political writing is now open for entries.

The scheme celebrates those who strive to achieve George Orwell’s ambition “to make political writing into an art”.

There are Journalism and Book Prizes along with a new category for political blogs.

The closing date for entries is 14 January and the shortlist will be announced on 25 March. For more details visit the Orwell Prize website.

Journalists requiring expert information and comment can access a new online database at the University of Stirling.

The Scottish centre has created the new search engine meaning academic expertise on subjects as diverse as housing benefit and German politics are only a click away.

Visit Stirling University’s website to use the database.

Gannett, the American parent company of UK local newspaper publisher Newsquest, is to make 10pc of its workforce redundant by early December.

Reports say the job cuts will not affect Newsquest titles but the announcement comes on the back of another drop in revenue for the USA Today publisher.

UK journalists enjoy the 23rd highest press freedom in the world.

The new research, carried out annually by Reporters sans frontières, shows the British media has the same freedoms as Hungary and Namibia.

All but four of the nations above the UK – New Zealand, Canada, Jamaica and Costa Rica – are in mainland Europe. Things must be improving though as the UK was ranked 24th last year and 27th in 2006.

Former Bolton News photographer Colin Lyne has been awarded the Associateship of the Royal Photographic Society. Colin worked for the Newsquest daily for 24 years before retiring last year.

The 62-year-old said he was very privileged to receive the honour – one of the highest handed out by the Society.