BUDDING young newshounds are reminded that the clock is ticking for entries to a journalism competition.

The National Council for the Training of Journalists is offering 16 to 18-year-olds the opportunity to be a published reporter, as part of its Stars of the Future contest.

The prize is to have your 200-word-long news story published in the Student Adver, along with a feature on yourself. An overall winner from all the competing regions nationwide will then be chosen by members of the NCTJ board.

The overall winner will be awarded a cheque for £250, plus a week of work experience.

The story should be an original and unpublished piece of work, and include a minimum of one direct quote from an interview.

It can be about any issue in your school, college, or wider community, or even within your own family. Photographs can also be included. Only one article should be submitted. The competition runs until May 27.

Regional winners, such as those in the Adver’s area, will be announced on June 13. The overall winner will be announced on July 1.

Entries should be emailed to stye@swindonadvertiser.co.uk.

Or you can post them to Stephanie Tye, Swindon Advertiser, 100 Victoria Road, Swindon, SN1 3BE.