Six would-be journalists have won bursaries for their training as part of a drive to increase newsroom diversity.

The bursaries have been given to recipients of the Journalism Diversity Fund, which is administered by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

Among the recipients are Shannon Beck and Edward Hardy, who both study at News Associates in Manchester.

Shannon , pictured, who comes from a deprived socio-economic background has been awarded this year’s Claire Prosser bursary, which helps people from all walks of life into broadcast and digital careers.

Edward was diagnosed with autism at the age of seven and developed symptoms for type one diabetes six years later.

He has been awarded this year’s Thomas Read bursary, which is presented annually to a JDF recipient with a long-term illness, health issue or disability.

Zuhur Jabir, Rabina Khan, Zeenia Naqvee and Rafe Uddin have also been awarded specialist bursaries through the Aziz Foundation, which awards bursaries throughout the year to support JDF recipients from Muslim backgrounds.

In addition to financial support, recipients will have access to work placements set up through the bursaries.