A regional publisher is to relaunch a recruitment initiative designed to cover the training costs of two new reporters.

Archant Norfolk is to recruit two trainees and pay for them to attend the prestigious Press Association training school in Newcastle.

The initiative is being relaunched after a five-year break its alumni include the current Eastern Daily Press political editor Annabelle Dickson and Dereham community editor Chris Hill.

Candidates are being urged to apply now by writing to the company explaining in 250 words why they want to be a journalist.

EDP editor Nigel Pickover said:  “Post the Leveson Inquiry, proper training for journalists has never been more important. But it’s an expensive process, particularly for graduates already in debt from their university course.

“This recruitment scheme is designed to ensure Archant can identify the very best of Norfolk talent and provide training irrespective of whether they can afford it, with the guarantee of a job at the end of it.”

“We think it’s important to recruit locally whenever possible and help Norfolk people fulfil their aspirations.

“Age is no barrier, and we will welcome applications from more mature people as well as school leavers and recent graduates. What’s important is a passion for news and a belief in the public’s right to know what’s going on in their communities.”

Candidates – who must have at least two A-levels – are being invited to apply now by writing to Sandra Mackay, PA to the Editor-in-Chief, at Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE. The closing date is Friday, September 27.

The selection process will take place in the early autumn and will involve a number of people being invited to sit an aptitude test, with the best being asked back for interview.

One of the successful trainees will attend a 17-week course run by Press Association Training at its training school in Newcastle from next January, with the other place being deferred, but guaranteed, until August 2014.

The course is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists and leads to the industry-recognised NCTJ Diploma in Journalism.