A regional newspaper’s 19th century home is set for a new lease of life as a 180-bed backpackers hostel.

City councillors in Newcastle are backing plans for the conversion of The Journal’s empty former building to the rear of Clayton Street, which was last used as a warehouse.

The plans include a cafe and three floors of dormitories in the building, which is behind the 18th century Assembly Rooms.

Planners said the scheme would turn “an uninviting and almost abandoned alleyway” into a safer and more attractive location.

The 300th anniversary of the first legislation protecting intellectual property, the Statute of Anne enacted in 1710, has been marked by the launch of a website Copyright in the Digital Age.

Put together by the Stationers’ Company, the website puts into the public domain a collection of papers setting out the arguments around copyright.

It also explains why the protection of intellectual property is critical to a successful creative economy. A further 16 papers are expected to be uploaded.

An annual photography competition between MPs and peers has been postponed because of the election.

The competition between MPs and Lords normally takes place in the spring and is followed by an exhibition in the House of Commons.

It is now likely to take place in October or November.

Time is running out to enter the second O2 Media Awards for Yorkshire and the Humber.

There are 16 different prize categories on offer, up from 12 last year, with separate prizes for best weekly and daily newspaper.

The deadline for nominations is 14 May and entry forms are available by contacting Rossiter Media on 01925 576757 or [email protected].

The venue and date for the awards ceremony is yet to be confirmed but will likely be in July.

The National Council for the Training of Journalists is hosting a shorthand seminar on 18 June in London.

The one-day event is for those involved in recruiting and training journalists and will bring delegates up to date with key issues and developments in shorthand training.

The programme includes information on the new exam format for 90-120wpm, teaching and learning strategies, a marking exercise and group discussions with NCTJ shorthand board members.

It runs from 10.30am to 3.30pm – for more details and an events booking form visit nctj.com/events.