Blog Foxton, a collaborative project between Blog Preston and The Foxton Centre in Avenham, has seen a group of young reporters celebrated for their work.
In an awards ceremony held last week, the Blog Foxton group received their awards following their five-week programme.
The Blog Foxton initiative held from October gave a voice to the young people.
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It was supported by 3ManFactory who helped make the group’s logo designs created in week one, come to life.
Contributions came from Skyy, Imogen, Emily, Evie and Lucie, who decided their main topic was to focus on empty shops in Preston.
The group talked to Preston City Council and Nicole Billington to get her take on Preston’s empty shop problem.
Nicole said the council are trying to do much to directly help shops, but it may be “difficult” as business rates are set by the government, and it’s unknown how much “lee-way [those] at the Council have.”
In week three, Blog Foxton met Jacob and Harley Nelson from Spud Bros, interviewing them on their take on the shop closures.
A personal favourite for Imogen, whose job was to go out in Preston to interview people, was talking to members of the public to get their views.
The feature the team pulled together became one of Blog Preston’s most viewed and most engaged with stories during October.
Watch more of Blog Foxton below and see on our YouTube channel
Cath Coffey, CEO of The Foxton Centre : “The Blog Foxton project was an outstanding success, giving young people a unique opportunity to develop their media reporting and interview skills.
“Through hands-on experience, they grew in confidence, strengthened their communication abilities, and gained valuable insights into storytelling and digital media.”
“We are incredibly proud of all the young people who took part — their creativity, enthusiasm, and willingness to step outside their comfort zone made the project truly inspiring.”
Founder and editor of Blog Preston, Ed Walker, said: “It was great to see the Blog Foxton crew again and hear what they’ve been up to. Their energy and commitment to telling stories is fantastic and above all I think we all had a lot of fun.
“I will be super proud if anyone of them decide to pursue a career in the media. Who knows maybe they will be editing Blog Preston one day when I put my feet up?”
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