THE CLOSING date for the Evening Press Write Stuff competition is fast approaching.

Budding journalists can win the chance to become a reporter with the prize including a full time job as a news reporter and a nationally recognised training package.

The winners will work in the Evening Press news room for a short time before heading off on a 20-week journalism course in Darlington.

Last years winner, Alex Lloyd, recently completed her journalism course and is now working in the Selby office of the Evening Press.

She said: "I wanted to stay in York after I had graduated and wanted to get into journalism, but could not see a way to afford the course.

"Winning the Write Stuff competition was ideal. I was sent on the course and I have a job at the end. It is perfect."

Entrants should have five GCSE passes at grades A to C and two A level passes or expect to get them in the summer. They should also live in the Evening Press circulation area.

To enter, contact the editor's PA, Sky Ferrey, for an application form on 01904 653051 or email sky.ferrey@ycp.co.uk or write to Sky Ferrey, Editor's PA, Evening Press, 76/86 Walmgate, YO1 9YN.

Entrants will be asked to write a genuine unpublished local news story of fewer than 400 words, written in a newspaper style.

The closing date is May 31. The winner will be expected to attend Darlington College's pre-entry course starting in September.

Updated: 09:06 Wednesday, March 26, 2003