A local news series for children has been launched in front of budding reporters at a St Albans primary school.
Herts Ad reporters Franki Berry and Laura Bill were welcomed to Garden Fields JMI School on Townsend Drive by headteacher Andrew Farrugia on Monday, March 25.
They were introducing the pupils to NewsHound, a short fortnightly video clip explaining a selection of St Albans and Harpenden stories in a digestible format for children.
It is designed to engage youngsters in local news and inform them about their home city.
Franki and Laura were particularly interested in getting the pupils involved, encouraging them to film their own snippets about a subject which interests them to send into the Herts Ad for inclusion on the website.
The footage does not need to be perfect, as the newspaper team will polish it off.
Laura said: “The children had some really great ideas about what news is and why it is important for them to be aware of local and national stories.
“I can really see the potential for some budding reporters and am excited to have launched NewsHound.”
The NewsHound logo was designed by chief reporter Anne Suslak.
Franki said: “I’m really hoping we got the kids really excited about being featured in their local newspaper and that we receive loads of submissions for the episodes to come.
“Don’t be put off - videos can be really simple, of just the child talking to a phone camera about anything that interests them, in their living room, outdoors, at school, whereever they like.
“We’re aiming to inspire the younger generation - while also having a lot of fun!”
The first episode focussed on two stories, St Albans Market closing in the high winds of Storm Gareth and the controversial St Albans Big Cat mystery. The second episode highlights the UK’s Strongest Kid competition, which is coming to St Albans this Easter.
Headteacher at Garden Fields, Andrew Farrugia, said: “It was great to hear about the Herts Ad’s NewsHound initiative. The idea of children making their own news films is a really engaging one. I look forward to seeing the results!”
Any other schools who might be interested in getting involved should contact HertsAd@Archant.co.uk
The next episode of NewsHound will be released on April 4. Submitted videos should reach the Herts Ad by Wednesday, April 3.
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