The Wyn Harness Prize for Young Journalists 2011

For more than 20 years, Wyn was a huge influence on The Independent. He cared deeply about the quality of writing and reporting in its pages, and how these were presented to the world. He was a guide and mentor to dozens of young journalists who began their national newspaper careers in its newsroom, many of whom went on to reach the top of the profession. His death from an inoperable brain tumour, at the age of 47, was a huge shock to his colleagues and friends on the paper, and he continues to be much missed by those who worked with him. Everyone who knew Wyn appreciated his dry, irreverent wit, and his affection for the quirkier and more bizarre aspects of British life. And it is this that inspired the format of The Wyn Harness Prize for Young Journalists.

The competition is open to anyone aged 25 or under who is embarking on a career in newspaper journalism, either in training, doing a journalism course, work experience or in their first paid employment. To take part, candidates must write a news report of between 500 and 700 words about an aspect of Britain or British society that rarely makes the headlines. The judges will be looking for a subject that is unusual and eye-opening. Entries must be accurate, well researched and stylishly written. The winner will receive a cash bursary of £1,000. They will have their story published in The Independent, and they will be offered a two-week unpaid work placement in the paper's London newsroom.

Rules

Eligibility: The prize is open to young journalists of any nationality who will be under the age of 26 on 31 December 2011

Submission of Entries: Entries should be emailed to features@independent.co.uk by midnight on Saturday 10 December 2011

Selection and Notification: The judging panel will include Sue Royal (Wyn Harness's widow, also a journalist), Chris Blackhurst (editor of The Independent), Helen Boaden (director of BBC News, and friend of Wyn Harness), and national newspaper journalists Martyn Palmer and Jason Burt. The winner will be notified by email before 31 December. A selection of entries will be published on The Independent website in the run-up to the deadline. Writers will be notified in advance of publishing that their submission has been selected for early publication. It is a condition of entry that entrants give us a permanent non-exclusive first publication licence to publish their Entry in any format or media.

For general terms and conditions see www.independent.co.uk/legal