A journalist has stepped up to the “daunting” task of becoming a local democracy reporter straight after completing his journalism training.

Joao Santos has joined Iliffe Media under the BBC-funded scheme straight after graduating from the University of Sheffield.

Joao, pictured, covers local authorities in Suffolk in his new role.

The BBC opened applications for the scheme to trainee journalists in 2020 as part of a drive to “increase diversity and give fresh opportunities to a wider pool of journalists”.

Joao told HTFP: “The training I got at the University of Sheffield was pretty much spot on in relation to what is expected of me.

“But, it’s still daunting to do, really. When you’re at university there’s always a safety net in a sense, and now you’re out in the real world so to speak.

“Suddenly your mistakes have bigger consequences, especially in LDR because I’m one of very few focusing specifically on politics this patch, so it’s important I do it right.

“You really have to just trust your training, do your due diligence, and do your best.”