Journalism students of Jamaican heritage could receive thousands of pounds in scholarships as part of a university’s partnership with a weekly newspaper aimed at Britain’s black community.

Nottingham Trent University and the Jamaica National Building Society, which owns The Voice newspaper, has announced an extension to an existing agreement between the two.

As part of a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’, students of all backgrounds from Nottingham Trent University’s Centre for Broadcasting and Journalism (CBJ) will have the opportunity to pitch and produce content for The Voice’s newspaper and website.

The Voice, dubbed ‘Britain’s best black newspaper’, will also offer work placements to all students at its headquarters in London.

Julie Nightinghale, left, from Nottingham Trent University, and Rodney Hinds, from The Voice newspaper

Editorial staff will also be invited to become student mentors and give guest lectures at the university, while in return the CBJ will offer training sessions to The Voice team on topics such as video skills and media law.

As part of the new agreement students of Jamaican heritage who hold a firm offer for a place at Nottingham Trent University will each year for the next three years be able to apply for one of three Jamaica National Foundation Legacy Scholarships worth a total of £6,000 towards their tuition fees and living costs, starting in October 2017.

To qualify the students’ parents must also be Jamaica National Building Society members.

Julie Nightingale, who is coordinating The Voice project for the CBJ, said: “The partnership with The Voice is a fantastic opportunity for our students to work with journalists on a national newspaper and to help bring the stories of Nottingham’s African-Caribbean community to a wider audience.

“As with our link with Notts TV, it is giving students invaluable experience of real-life journalism while they learn. It also looks great on their CVs.”