The Herald today launches its 12th annual Scottish Student Press Awards.

Recognised as the most prestigious awards of their kind north of the border, the competition seeks to showcase, reward and develop the best student writing and publishing in Scotland.

This year the contest will be sponsored by BT Scotland, the Glasgow Film Festival, Microsoft, Nikon and Bank of Scotland.

Charles McGhee, editor of The Herald, said: "Once again we are delighted to be hosting the Scottish Student Press Awards. These awards are a vital showcase for the best in student journalism and we are extremely grateful to our sponsors for sharing our belief in the importance of nurturing future talent and in recognising good writing.

"This is a superb opportunity for journalism students to begin to make their mark in the professional world."

The awards are open to all students at Scottish higher or further education establishments. All work must have appeared in a student publication, such as a student newspaper or magazine and must have been published after May 1, 2007.

Students employed as journalists either on a full-time or shift basis cannot submit cuttings that have been professionally edited. The judges will be looking for entrants to show original ideas and journalistic flair with a particular emphasis on exclusives.

Since their inception in 1997, the awards have evolved to encompass the breadth of journalistic skills as well as new trends within the industry.

This year sees the inclusion for the first time of the New Media category for student journalists whose work appears online. Entries can include news, features, comment or debate and judges will consider how well material has been produced for a web-using audience.

Raymond O'Hare, director of Microsoft Scotland, sponsoring the New Media category, said: "Scotland's heritage in education is world-renowned and it is important we inspire our home-grown talents."

The main award of Student Journalist of the Year offers a four-week paid placement within The Herald's editorial department. The remaining categories are Best News Writer, £250; Best Features Writer, £250; Best New Media, £250; Best Sports Writer, £250; Best Photographer, £250; Best Magazine, £250 and Best Newspaper, £250.

Alan Bonas, head of communication at BT Scotland, which is sponsoring the Best News Writer award, said: "We welcome the opportunity to recognise the best in student journalism and the newspaper should be congratulated for its vision in identifying and supporting emerging talent."

David Robbins, education specialist with Nikon UK Ltd, which is sponsoring the Best Photographer award, said: "We believe it is crucial to encourage young photographers and to help develop their talents."

Sarah Cran, head of sponsorship at HBOS, added: "Bank of Scotland has had a long association with sport in Scotland and is currently supporting a new generation of sporting talent through our sponsorship of grassroots programmes in football, badminton and athletics. It seems fitting therefore that we should be supporting the Best Sports Writer category."

Last year, Hannah Thomas from Edinburgh University's Student newspaper was named student journalist of the year.

To obtain an entry form call Victoria Scott on 0141 302 7412. The closing date for entries is April 28, 2008.