The Hampshire Chronicle has won a national accolade for its work experience programme.

The paper was presented with a special judges trophy in the National Council for Work Experience Awards this week at the Royal Society for the Arts, London. Judges praised the scheme for encouraging students trying to get into the notoriously competitive world of journalism and for the wide age range of students taken on.

The Chronicle's education correspondent, Lisbeth Rake, who co-ordinates the paper's programme, said: "This is a fantastic honour. Everyone in the office becomes involved - photographers, reporters and sub- editors - all are prepared to offer advice.

"We put a lot of effort into making sure students get a real insight into what it is really like to work for a newspaper. But it's not one-sided: we learn so much from their enthusiasm and ideas. They have often spent gap years in fascinating places or have unusual interests which can provide rich material for articles."

Their week-long placement involves research, interviews, accompanying photographers, attending police calls and often a by-lined article in that week's edition. Some have even made the front page.

The paper was nominated by student, Claire Cummings and others were contacted by the judges.

Postgraduate Tim Cross said: "The Chronicle was very well structured. It was nice to feel you were contributing, rather than just rehashing press releases."

Fellow postgrad, Lucy Jackson, added: "I learned vital journalism skills and techniques from the team, who were friendly and keen to give me helpful advice."

The awards recognise, encourage and reward commitment by business organisations to work experience and their provision of top-quality work placements.

Liz Rhodes, director of the NCWE, said: "We have seen some exemplary illustrations of work experience in action. Our winners have shown that good placements can really benefit both the organisation and the student.

"Canny employers use work experience to facilitate recruitment: it's a win-win situation all round: they get to evaluate potential future employees and the student gets to know the company without making a long-term commitment."

Editor, Alan Cleaver, said: "It's super that the paper's commitment has been recognised on a national level."