Staffordshire University’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Georgina Kelly (pictured on front page) said: “We are delighted to be associated with the awards scheme, which not only encourages students to pursue their chosen career with dedication and determination but also acknowledges their achievements while seeking to secure a position in the media industry.”

She added: “We pride ourselves on having a experienced journalism team who are dedicated to preparing students for the industry and these awards give students a sense of the competitive nature of the industry and how great work can be recognised.”

The awards, introduced last year by Birmingham Press Club to mark its 150th anniversary are being held on April 21 at Austen Court, the canalside conference centre located near the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham.

Launched with the aim of recognising future talent in broadcasting, journalism and photography, the awards have attracted entries from universities and colleges in Birmingham, Coventry, Derby, Lincoln, Nottingham, Staffordshire, Wolverhampton and Worcester.

Ed James, chairman of Birmingham Press Club, said: “The inaugural awards were very well received but this year entries have more than doubled. That’s an incredible response and illustrates the continuing appeal that the media industry has amongst university and college students within both the East and West Midlands.”

Covering topics such as online innovation, blogs, video journalism, sport, entertainment, humour and investigative journalism, the categories have been chosen to allow media students a real platform to showcase their passion for a particular subject matter.

The awards are also being supported by Birmingham City University, Barclays Bank and Bournville College.