A MEDIA centre in the region has been awarded beacon status for excellence in journalist training.

The School of Journalism, Media and the Arts at Darlington College of Technology, has been given the award for its close links with the media industry.

The accolade recognises its vocational training and work with trainees from Newsquest, one of the largest newspaper groups in the UK with flagship titles including The Northern Echo. The award will be presented at the Cleveland Avenue college campus next week.

Head of Journalism, Media and the Arts Tony Metcalf said: "The award is tangible proof of how our industry partners mould the training here. It is all about collaboration - they tell us exactly what they want and we provide it."

Next week's ceremony will also mark the launch of the college's status as a Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) - a national recognition that allowed the college to claim £500,000 to develop courses and facilities.

Darlington College of Technology was among 70 centres selected from 370 applications to the Learning and Skills Council to get the recognition and it was one of only six in the North to win the status.