The Comet’s Hitchin reporter was put through his paces by budding newshounds at Wilshere-Dacre Junior Academy when he was asked to check their journalism project work before giving a speech – rounded off with a question and answer session on the industry.

Year 6 pupils at the Fishponds Road school had to write a newspaper report under the guidance of teachers Tessa Alexander, Jodie Renwick and Mul Nugent.

Their efforts were then checked by the Comet’s Layth Yousif, who awarded prizes for the best work.

Teacher Tessa Alexander said: “Having our Year 6 children write a newspaper article judged by an actual journalist raised their standards and put their writing in a real life context – a big thank you to the Comet newspaper and Layth!”

Layth said: “It was great to see such passion and enthusiasm for journalism from such a bright set of youngsters who are a credit to the school.”

Headteacher Sarah Smith added: “We have very good teachers and staff, and some very talented children at Wilshere Dacre, and it’s great the Comet takes an interest in our school projects such as this.”

Pupil Lucia Czornmyj added: “This experience has inspired me to become a journalist. I’m going to read the Comet all the time now!”