A regional publisher is set to recruit 13 new apprentice journalists across the country.

JPIMedia has launched a recruitment drive and is looking for candidates aged between 18 and 24.

Two of the successful candidates will each be based at titles in Sussex, Portsmouth and the North-West, while one will be based in Northumberland and up to three in Sheffield.

Two news and one sport apprentice will also be recruited to work on NationalWorld, JPIMedia’s new national news website.

The apprentices will work towards the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism, have all college fees paid by JPIMedia and receive other professional training, as well as the support of a mentor throughout the scheme.

JPIMedia core print and design editor Neil Pickford is overseeing the project.

Neil, pictured, said: “We are delighted to be offering 13 young people a way into the industry which will enable them to earn while they learn.

“Since we launched our apprenticeship programme in 2018 we have enjoyed great success in JPIMedia, with a number of former apprentices now working on titles across the group as senior reporters.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to recruit some bright and enthusiastic young people from the communities we serve.

“We look forward to seeing the applicants and working with our new recruits from the late summer.”