Schoolkids edit Norwich Evening News for a day: ‘A lot of talking and typing’

A group of six schoolchildren took over the editorship of Archant Norfolk's Norwich Evening News last week.

After raising £11,000 for charity in November, editor Nigel Pickover contacted the Aquila Club at Kinsale Junior School, Hellesdon, to offer them his job for a day.

As well as talking to Pickover and assistant editor David Powles, the children were involved in news agenda discussions and vox-popping in Norwich.

They decided the biggest stories of the day, to go on the front page, would be the result of Norwich v Tottenham, a new charity appeal being set up and the opening of a new Aldi store.

After heading into Norwich for lunch with the editor, the children also had a number of other incoming stories but chose not to change the front page.

They were also involved in some filming for the new Mustard TV website, which went live last week.

Headteacher Carolyn Baxter said: “The children really looked forward to this day and they have clearly had a great time.

“They are now in a better position to understand the work that goes into writing newspapers and the importance of making good choices; especially with what is put on the front page.

“They particularly enjoyed going into the city centre to collect people’s opinions to help with a story. I am sure they will remember this day for a long time.”

Student Adam Cork said: “It was not what I expected. There are a lot more computers than I thought and lots of people. The best thing was everything, it was all amazing.”

Rebecca Cator said: “Today was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I became an editor for the day. It was very exciting and we did a lot of things… Even though we did a lot of talking and typing, we still had lots of fun!”