This year’s Wyn Harness prize is now open for entries.

It invites students and those just starting their journalism career to write a 500-700 word  story about a lesser known aspect of British society.

Entrants will have the opportunity to win a £1000 bursary, a two week work placement at The Independent, and they will have their story published.

Last year’s winner, Anna Leach, is now the editor of a technology website and says she got the job because she wrote an article for the technology pages on The Independent during her work placement.

The competition commemorates Wyngate Harness for his contribution to The Independent over 20 years.

Entries should be submitted by 22 November 2009 to features@independent.co.uk