One of the UK’s most well-known and respected journalism training centres is preparing to mark a half century of education.

And to celebrate the landmark birthday in 2012, the University of Central Lancashire is calling on alumni to get in touch and tells tales of their time in Preston.

The project is a joint venture between UCLan’s journalism and history departments with the eventual aim being to produce a commemorative booklet, website, short film and exhibition to be held in the summer.

Project researcher and journalism graduate Louise Steggals said: “What’s particularly interesting about this is that, because UCLan is one of the country’s oldest centres for journalism training, our research not only shows the development in-house, but also maps out the development of journalism training itself, as the industry has adapted to the massive technological and economical challenges that have radically changed the way newsrooms operate.

“We’re happy to hear from all former journalism students but we’re particularly interested in hearing from students from the 1960s and 70s as knowledge of the early days is a bit sparse.

“We want to know why they chose to go to UCLan – was it locality, reputation?

“Also, what they remember as highlights, how they found the course and to find out what they’ve done since.”

The exhibition will be held at UCLan during May and June with a launch event held during the first half of May.

Former staff, alumni, members of the industry and those who have contributed to the research will all be invited.