The editorial team of students from across the town have been working on the final stages of production this week to meet their press deadline.

The core team, made up of students from local schools, have been working hard since January to create the paper and its main features.

They have been out and about in the town conducting interviews and research, taking photos, and writing reports.

Over the last two weeks, a small group of students has been busy editing and designing the paper with two days of workshops at Willingdon Community School. With the help of professionals in the field, they have learnt how to use specialised software to create the full colour eight-page paper.

The team now has the final product to look forward to and the thrill of seeing their own work in print. "It's been a really good experience and I'm glad I was part of it!" said one pupil.

Alongside giving young people a voice across the town, the project has aimed to develop vocational skills for young people. One team member said, "I have learnt about all the different roles within a newspaper and about working in different size groups to produce different types of work.

"The most enjoyable part of the experience was probably thinking of all the questions to ask key people.

"It was lots of fun thinking of how to lay out our page — there were so many different possibilities!"

A celebratory launch will be held in The Arndale Centre after publication next Wednesday. There will be an exhibition open to the public all day followed by an official launch at 4.15pm.

For more information on the paper and launch please contact Claire Walker at Cavendish School on 01323 746514 or e-mail claire@communityarts.uk.com