There is just a week left for secondary schools to sign-up for a unique project that allows students to develop reporting skills and get published on a real newspaper website. Set up by this newspaper in partnership with Newsquest titles across south and west London, hundreds of young people have taken part in our Young Reporters Scheme over the past few years.

It is a fantastic opportunity for students to experience life as young journalists, with their articles showcased on our popular websites.

Each student gets to write one article per month for a period of eight months and those students completing this task are given a letter of recognition from the editor, which can be used with their CVs and UCAS applications. In addition, students work will be entered into a competition with great prizes and recognition for the winners.

With very few publications now offering work experience to school students, this is an unmissable chance for students interested in a media career. It teaches them to work to deadlines and to be self motivation as they go out and find stories. They also experience the excitement of seeing their articles online and are able to build up a portfolio of published work.

Kate Wright, senior lecturer in journalism at Roehampton University and a judge for last year's competition was so impressed she said: "All of the students who were short-listed would be more than welcome to apply to do journalism at Roehampton University when their time comes. I'd look forward to seeing them in their first year!"

Schools interested in taking part in this year's the Young Reporters Scheme, should contact Diana Jarvis now on 020 8722 6378 or email her djarvis@london.newsquest.co.uk. The deadline is Friday, October 7.