Journalism students from a university could benefit from a new project which has been launched in partnership with the Guardian.

The Centre for Journalism at Leeds Trinity University College has teamed up with Guardian Local to set up the Leeds Community News Hub.

Under the project, local groups and organisations will have chance to develop story ideas and access expert advice from experienced journalists at weekly drop-in sessions.

And journalism students will have the opportunity to look at new and more in-depth ways of covering community news stories.

Speaking at the launch, Centre for Journalism head Catherine O’Connor said: “We have always expected our students to go into the community, make contacts and understand what is going on.

“Now we aim to change the dynamics by giving community groups access to experts and events to encourage people to get more involved with the local news agenda.”

“The hub will be beneficial to both our students and the wider community. Local organisations will have direct access to experts who can advise on how news works and discuss ideas for stories and coverage in weekly drop-in sessions.

“Students will be able to make new local contacts and explore new ways of interacting with the community.”

Guardian Local editor Sarah Hartley added: “We have created a new journalism role with a beatblogger in each city to report from their locality.

“The Community News Hub is an exciting new step that has great potential to engage with local communities and unearth good local stories.”

The hub was launched by Meg Pickard, Guardian News and Media’s head of digital engagement, who spoke about the importance of bringing communities together through their shared news.

A website for the news hub is set to be launched in the next few weeks.