A TYCROES man has made it to the final of an ITV News media competition.

Paul Davies has been selected as one of nine finalists in this year's Breaking Into News, an initiative run in partnership with ITV News and Media Trust to discover new talent and give opportunities to the broadcast journalist of the future.

The initiative, now in its fourth term, offers 18-25 years olds the chance to be mentored by experienced broadcast journalist at the ITV News regional newsroom in writing, reporting and production skills.

Breaking Into News is specifically designed to encourage diversity in broadcast journalism and to support young people from across the country who wouldn't normally have this kind of opportunity.

As part of the competition Paul has been matched to James Crichton-Smith, a journalist at ITV News, who will work closely mentoring Paul as he develops his ideas.

Next month, 23-year-old Paul and the other eight finalists will present their news reports to a judging panel including executives from ITV News and Media Trust.

The winner will be presented with an iPad and the opportunity to spend the day with the team producing the ITV News at Ten. They could also see their report included on an ITV News platform.

To enter Breaking Into News Paul submitted a short biography, explained what he wanted his report to focus on and why he deserves the opportunity to ‘break into news’.

Paul said: "Being named as a Breaking into News finalist is a fantastic, and unique, opportunity for me to experience a professional newsroom environment and to learn from top ITV journalists.

"Without the initiative I'm unlikely to have had this chance. I'm passionate about pursuing a future in journalism and am excited about where this opportunity will lead."

Robin Elias, Managing Editor of ITV News, said: “We are delighted to be working with Media Trust for the fourth time, seeking out bright television journalists of the future and giving them a platform where their voices can be heard. The nine finalists have already shown a great deal of raw talent and creative flair and I look forward to seeing their final news reports.”