The chief football commentator at The Times is among the speakers at the first sports journalism convention organised by a university.

Patrick Barclay has been lined up to give the keynote address at the University of Central Lancashire’s event later this month.

Peter Stevenson from Sky Sports News will act as master of ceremonies for the convention and other speakers include Charlie Lambert, head of Sport Journalism at the university, and Mayur Bhanji from BBC Sport.

The event takes place on 22nd October and anyone with an interest in journalism is invited to attend.

Charlie, who has organised the event, said: “Sport plays such an influential part in so many aspects of life that the journalism of sport is particularly important.

“The convention will give people with an interest in sports journalism the chance to discuss latest trends in the business.

“We are also looking forward to bringing together young journalists and their more experienced colleagues, to exchange ideas and expand their contacts.”

It will also include a presentation from Bev Rimmer, one of four students selected by the university to go to Delhi to report on the Commonwealth Games.

The event starts at 5.30pm in the Foster Building on the Preston Campus and to register for it, visit sportsjournalism.eventbrite.com.