THREE students at Archer's Court Maths and Computing College have fought off competition from more than 10,000 youngsters across the country to be named runners-up in a young journalists competition.

Jasmine Carter, Brittany Holmes and Caprice Northcott, all aged 13, entered the Over To You contest, run by careers and youth website b-live with ITV News and the Big Lottery Fund.

Newshounds: Jasmine Carter, Caprice Northcott and Brittany Holmes with mentor Beth Charlton receiving their cheque from b-live's Jason Simpson DOPM010710ARCHERS-1

Entrants were tasked with producing a story which could be presented on the ITV news. The item had to be based on something which the youngsters wanted to change and support in their region.

The Archer's Court trio picked the theme is there a future for Dover Paper Mill? They put together a piece showing how the paper mill could be used in the future.

Jasmine said: "We spent time contemplating our choice of subject for the competition and are proud of our report on the mill.

"We thought that it could either be fixed or the space could be developed into a place for teenagers, especially as there is nothing exciting in Dover.

"As the London Olympics is in two years, we believe Dover needs a makeover, especially as so many people will enter England through the port."

The three were presented with a cheque and certificates last month by b-live's schools partnership manager Jason Simpson

The competition was launched last June. 138 schools took part. Last month 12 regional winners and 12 runners-up were announced.

The winners get to work with their local ITV news team to produce their story on the small screen. Runners-up received certificates and £100 toward a community project of their choice.

The team were coached by Archer's Court's English co-ordinator for gifted pupils Beth Charlton, who said: "The students had two lessons about the Over to You competition.

"During this time we looked at news reports, presentation techniques and language to enable the students to answer the competition's questions.

"They were then given the questions and worked in groups planning how to respond to them. In the final lesson they used computers to write up their report and create a storyboard showing the progression of their story."

ITV director Guy Phillips said: "The quality of the entries was outstanding and the story ideas were well thought through and presented."

Teachers requiring information on future skills competitions can call Jason Simpson on 01234 217772.