Journalism students are set to provide a coverage boost to non-league football thanks to a new partnership with their university.

The University of Central Lancashire has announced a new scheme that will see its sports journalism students cover the West Lancashire League this season.

It comes after the league approached lecturers at the Preston-based university to see if students could help develop the website and the league’s social media presence.

The students involved will post daily stories on the league’s website from this week.

UCLan sports journalism lecturer Andy Sykes, pictured, said: “We’re really hoping this will be of mutual benefit – the West Lancs League has a great reputation in the region and we’re delighted to get involved in helping bolster its online presence.

“For the students, it will help them develop their match reporting skills, practice how to interview people and structure news stories for a digital audience.

“They will be allowed to use the material they gather each week for their university assignments, both broadcast and digital, so it will be a huge help for their studies too.

“Popular local photographer Steve Taylor has also agreed to use of his excellent photos to help bring the website to life.”

John Brown, the league’s honorary general secretary, added: “The West Lancashire Football league is delighted to join up with UCLan – this will allow the league to further its website and bring it up to date and mainly bring more interest to member clubs on who we hope will use it.

“The league management committee would like to thank Andy for his help and show of interest towards what we would like our website to achieve for the league and member clubs.”