A bursary for journalism students set up in memory of a former regional press and BBC journalist is open for entries.

The annual bursary is awarded by the BBC Northern Ireland and the National Union of Journalists in memory of BBC NI journalist Paul Robinson, who died in 2009 at the age of 55 after suffering a heart attack.

The bursary, which is also sponsored by charity Chest, Heart and Stroke, will be worth £1,000 and includes a period of work experience at the BBC during next spring or summer.

It is open to first year NCTJ diploma in journalism students in Northern Ireland, second year students of HND media journalism in Northern Ireland and first year students at the University of Ulster of either the BA in journalism or the media studies and production course.

Paul, who was known as Robbo, began his career in weekly newspapers in his home town of Armagh, before moving to the News Letter and Belfast Telegraph and later to the BBC, where he held roles as a presenter, producer and editor.

The closing date for entries is 4pm Thursday, January 23rd 2014.  Further information and an application form is available on the NUJ’s website.