ASPIRING journalists from Weston learned top tips of the trade from a real life reporter last month. 

School children from Jill Dando News met a journalist from the same newspaper where Jill was trained.  

Students at Worle Academy - also Jill's former school - saw how Mercury reporter Charlie Williams uses 'tricks of the trade' to find local news. 

A spokesperson for the school said: "It was brilliant to receive a brilliant visit from a real life journalist who works for the same great newspaper as Jill Dando in the 1980s. 

"Charlie told young reporters what it's like to be a journalist and answered questions on a range of topics from our budding hacks. 

"He also showed us shorthand, the tools he uses when out on patch - a pen, notepad and mobile phone - and how to find a good story."

Jill Dando News recently celebrated its fifth year of young people writing uplifting news in her memory.

Some of the famous faces kids have interviewed include the former prime minister, Boris Johnson, on three occasions, BBC presenter Fiona Bruce and a NASA astronaut.

Principal Jacqui Scott, said: "It was lovely to meet Charlie and our students really enjoyed putting their questions to him."

In 1999, television's 'golden girl' was brutally murdered outside her London home. 

Her memory now lives on through the positive stories written by children of her former school and others across The Priory Learning Trust, including in Africa. 

Schools include Priory Community School Academy and The King Alfred School Academy. 

To read good news stories from young reporters, visit goodnewspost.co.uk/.