OUR Young Reporters have penned their final column – but don't worry readers, five more budding writers are ready to entertain and inform.
Since October, five talented writers have been challenging the negative stereotype of young people through the power of the written word as part of the Young Reporters scheme.
Now, Kelly Ballard, Abbie Dewhurst, Jessica Dales, Chelsea Stocks and Olivia Scott have passed over their notepads to a new batch of future journalists and writers.
Run by the Young Person Support Services, with the Grimsby Telegraph, each has penned Young Reporter columns every Saturday, ranging from controversial peices about immigration to lighter topics such as dreaming.
Boneata Bell, 19, a professional writing student at the Grimsby Institute, enjoyed being a Young Reporter so much she will do it for another three months.
She added: "Being a Young Reporter gives us the opportunity to say what we want to say – and I have a lot!
"It was a great experience.
"I loved stirring things up and hearing what the public had to say."
Jessica Dales, 16, has enjoyed every second of the scheme.
She said: "We met some great people and I got to do something I have always wanted to do.
"It was great fun and good experience because, although I have always wanted to be a journalist, I didn't know what kind I wanted to be. This has helped me."
Abbie Dewhurst, 19, dreams of becoming a writer.
She said: "It is a really good experience but getting into the profession is very hard.
"Competition is tough so you need something else that makes you stand out. This has helped me get that."
YPSS participation coordinator Pippa Curtin is confident the new Young Reporters will maintain their predecessor's strong reputation.
She said: "It has been amazing, they have all done so well.
"I am sure the new group will bring new ideas to the table and take the project forward."
And lookout for new online blogs and podcasts from the Young Reporters coming soon.
Is a pet for life, asks Olivia Scott in today's column – see page 18.
