YOUNGSTERS attending schools in the city will be getting a nose for news in the coming weeks by taking part in the first Southampton Media Challenge.

The Daily Echo has joined forces with Meridian and South City FM to offer schools the chance to win up to £3,000 as part of a competition to heighten the awareness of careers in the local media.

Schools have been invited to take part in the competition which will see Year 9 pupils preparing their own newspaper, radio or TV shows on the subject of their own diverse communities.

On hand to offer expert advice will be representatives of the three media, with pupils also able to visit the home of Daily Echo, Meridian and South City FM. There will also be master classes for students looking to brush up their journalistic techniques. "The hope is to encourage youngsters from all backgrounds in the city to consider a career in the local media when they grow up,'' said Daily Echo editor Ian Murray.

The final judging takes place in early summer, with an awards ceremony taking place in July hosted by a local media celebrity.

Organising the event is Solent SkillQuest Ltd.