AN AMBITIOUS student has organised a national journalism competition.

Emma Shearer, who studies HND Media and Communication at Glasgow Clyde College, has organised this year’s instalment of a nationwide competition that recognises excellence in journalism throughout Scotland’s colleges and universities.

She is among a small group of students behind this year’s Scottish Student Journalism Awards, which is set to take place at The National Piping Centre on May 26.

Nearly 200 students have submitted entries.

The 20-year-old, who is a former pupil of Barrhead High School, has been instrumental in encouraging applications and securing well-known guest speakers for the awards ceremony.

She explained: “Organising the 2016 Scottish Student Journalism Awards has been a great experience as I’ve had the opportunity to have direct contact with people that currently work in the industry. It’s been hard work, but I’ve really enjoyed it.

“The awards are a great stepping stone for journalism students and I’m really looking forward to being able to reward them for their great work.

“I’m hoping that my participation will help me gain employment once I leave college as I’ll be able to show companies what I’m capable of.”

Fred Hannah, senior lecturer in media at Glasgow Clyde College, said: “This is the fifth year Glasgow Clyde College students have been organising the Scottish Student Journalism Awards.

“It’s a great opportunity for the students to organise such a high-profile event.

“Emma and her team have been working really hard to make the event a huge success and I am hopeful that this year’s awards will be bigger and better than ever before.”

The awards, open to all students currently enrolled on a journalism course in Scotland, will feature an esteemed judging panel including editors and reporters from The Herald, Sunday Mail, BBC and STV, among others.

The ceremony will be hosted by Matt Bendoris, chief features writer at The Sun.

Ms Shearer added: “I can’t wait for the ceremony as watching the winners receive their awards will be a really proud moment for all of us.”