I have word from Millbank that white smoke has just emerged from chimney above the glass box in the Sky News studio, meaning that this year's Bob Friend scholar has been chosen.

Many congratulations to Year 2 student Laerke Christensen, who has emerged just ahead after what I'm told was an incredibly difficult decision by the final judging panel: Peter Diapre of Sky News, and Tim Luckhurst and Angela Harrison from the Centre for Journalism.

Finalists Alex Crean, Isabel Muller Eidhamar and Frazer Norwell should also be incredibly proud of their performances today in what is a very high pressure situation. They have all enhanced the centre's reputation greatly.

Don't forget that Paul Francis is running this week's Year 1 Public Affairs class at 1.30pm today in the main newsroom.