PUPILS at Sir William Borlase's Grammar School, in Marlow, got an insight into the working day of a journalist as they undertook workshops with the help of Free Press editor Steve Cohen.

Mr Cohen stopped by for a day of workshops with the Year 10 pupils who were lectured in the ethics of journalism, including how to write articles and methods of research, as part of their Citizenship Week. They were also taught about the ethics of photographers and editors.

Mr Cohen said: "I was generally impressed with the ability of the students and with their reasoning over complex issues."

The week is based on encouraging pupils to become active citizens in their community and helping them to get acquainted with local organisations, including newspapers and councils.

The 140 pupils at the West Street school were divided into 14 groups where they set about producing their own newspapers with six to seven pages of A4 paper. The groups were given set roles of reporters, photographers and editors, and their entries will be judged by Mr Cohen.

Hilary Martin, activities coordinator at the school, said: "They loved the workshops. They all thought Steve was very funny and he really knew how to connect with them."