NORTH-EAST students will be making the headlines this summer as they jet off to the US to join a school for journalists.

Alastair Knapper, of Durham, and Adam Wilson of Washington, Wearside, who attend Newcastle College, have beaten worldwide competition to win places on a six-week programme at the renowned Poynter Institute, in Florida.

The students, both aged 20, are studying for HNDs in newspaper design and infographics.

They will join a group of 15 people at the Institute's visual journalism laboratory this summer.

The Institute attracts distinguished scholars and professionals from across Northern America.

Mr Wilson said: "I believe our applications stood out because very few educational establishments in America cover infographics in as much detail as Newcastle College.

"In fact, Newcastle is also the only college in the UK to offer this particular HND course and is therefore very well-known throughout the industry. I'm hoping our experience will add a fresh perspective to the course."

The Newcastle College HND programme specialises in teaching the design of infographics. These eye-catching diagrams accompany news stories and are designed to show a sequence of events.

Infographics specialists were used to great effect to help plot military progress during the Iraqi War, for example.

Mr Knapper said: "The opportunity to study in America is fantastic and the course will also enable us to showcase our work before a variety of potential employers.

"I'm really excited at the prospect of working with designers from titles such as the National Geographic Magazine, which is a publication I have always admired."