A journalist is leaving an independent publisher after 10 months after beating thousands of applicants to take up a role with the BBC.

Imogen James, who became Highland News and Media’s first live events and charities reporter in October 2021, is one of only 17 people to be accepted on to the BBC’s advanced journalism apprenticeship.

Imogen, pictured, will take up the London-based role for two years and will also work towards the NCTJ’s National Qualification in Journalism via the University of Kent.

The 22-year-old has worked on titles including the Inverness Courier, Highland News, North Star, Ross-shire Journal and Strathspey and Badenoch Herald during her time with HNM.

Speaking about her time with the group, she said: “I felt so lucky they took a chance on me.

“Because of HNM, I had a great introduction into professional journalism, got to meet so many amazing people and tell their stories, and learn from some of the best.

“It’s been such a pleasure working with so many charities and learning more about what they do. I feel privileged to have had this chance.”

Inverness Courier content editor Andy Dixon added: “We’re sorry to see Imogen go but we’re pleased she has such a great opportunity.

“Hopefully she believes that the freedom to cover events and charities for HNM will form a firm foundation to build a career on.

“Any ambitious young reporter aiming high and heading to London to work for the BBC reflects well on all of us.

“She came to us with an impressive amount of enthusiasm.

“If she maintains this and remembers some of the words of wisdom we’ve passed on, her potential should be limitless.”