Those still seeking inspiration for a new year's resolution will find all the answers they need at a NCTJ Portfolio briefing from noon to 1pm on Friday, January 30.

The session will be held in the main newsroom, and will be a refresher on what the portfolio involves, how it's marked, and some pointers about writing and presentation.

For second years: This does not replace your normal Reporting class - after the portfolio session we'll talk about the next Reporting exam opportunity, in March.

Congratulations to CfJ graduate Scott Mitchell for being named the MSA and Renault's Young Journalist of the Year.

Scott graduated two years ago from the BA Journalism and the News Industry, and jumped straight into his dream job at Autosport.

The award is for the best young motor sports writer in Britain, and comes with a nice Christmas bonus: £1,000 and a year's membership of the Guild of Motoring Writers.

As if that wasn't enough, a few days later he was promoted to be Autosport's new features editor.

The NCTJ is holding its annual festival of journalism skills in Sheffield on Thursday and Friday.

It brings together journalists, academics and trainers to discuss the most important issues facing the next generation of reporters.

A by-election of national signficance brought many of the country's top political journalists to Rochester and Strood during November.

It was an opportunity too good to miss for Centre for Journalism students, who elbowed their way into some of the glitziest media scrums ever seen in the Medway Towns to report on the historic battle between Ukip and the Conservatives.

At stake was not just the chance to go shoulder-to-shoulder with Nick Robinson, but also the prospect of cash prizes in our election coverage competition.

From majestic photo-bombing to strutting like a diva, there is no end to the talents of Benedict Cumberbatch.

So it should come as no surprise that he may have accidentally created a new revenue stream for struggling newspapers.