New Year cheer as 30 new Jill Dando Journalists begin writing good news stories after visit by Nigel Dando 

By Jill Dando News

Some 30 new Jill Dando Journalists have started writing real-life positive good news stories in memory of Jill Dando after a visit by her brother Nigel.

He visited the enthusiastic pupils who are aged 9 and 10 at the West Wick site of St Anne’s Church Academy, part of The Priory Learning Trust in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.

Nigel, with 48 years of journalism experience, spoke about Jill, gave his experience of a life in the business and then gave tips on news and headline finding and writing.

All the students who set a challenge to find a real-life story about a pet animal who would make people smile to start the New Year.

Jill Dando News was set up in 2017 in honour of Jill out of her former school – Worle Community School Academy, also part of The Priory Learning Trust.

She started writing news there aged 13 and went on to become Britain’s best TV journalist yet remained kind and humble.

In the project named after her, a fast-growing number of over 100 student reporters aged 8 to 18  learn incredible media skills, and build their self-esteem during their work.

Principal Emma Hardy-Smith said: “It was wonderful to have Nigel with us and the reporters are super excited to find and write up their stories.”

Nigel said: “It’s wonderful to see the enthusiasm shown by the youngsters for finding and writing news stories. “The work of the news centres is a tribute to Jill and her memory.”

There are good news reporters across Somerset who get to interview people in the community as well as high-profile celebrities.

A former pupil from St Anne’s, Ejijah interviewed the Prime Minister twice, once at The King Alfred School Academy, also part of The Priory Learning Trust in Somerset and once in Downing Street when he was only 9 years old.

They also interviewed TV legend Fiona Bruce for top tips.