Pupils at Campion School in Bugbrooke took part in BBC News School Report, a nationwide event designed to get schoolchildren making their own news packages, online content and radio broadcasts.

The 20-minute radio slot, which included interviews with local authors as well as teachers and pupils at the school, was broadcast yesterday at 4.30pm with the help of staff from BBC Radio Northampton.

Organiser and head of media, Alan Hackett, said the pupils had been really enthusiastic about the project.

He said: "We are the only school in Northamptonshire to be taking part in this, which is really exciting. All the children taking part are volunteers and I have been amazed by how dedicated they have been.

"We have all the right equipment, including Apple Macs and programmes such as Audiocraft and Photoshop, which has a real impact.

"The pupils doing this are in Key Stage 3 and I hope that by doing this they will want to carry on with media studies into Key Stage 4."

Mr Hackett added that the chance for pupils to bring their knowledge together to carry out interviews, edit material and decide upon news running orders was a fantastic way for the youngsters to learn.

He said: "They have been so enthusiastic about this and it really brings everything together. Plus, to have the BBC here and to have interest from the Chronicle & Echo, shows them that this isn't just some school project; it's a big thing."

To see the report or to find out more about the day, log on to http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/school_reporta>.