BUDDING journalists, advertisers and designers from a primary school in Charfield have celebrated the release of their first ever newspaper by selling copies after school.

The Charfield Chatter, produced entirely by pupils of Charfield School, was included in all copies of the April 14 edition of the Gazette, and pupils continued to show their entrepreneurial spirit by selling copies on a stall outside the school to their parents, teachers and classmates, as well as passers-by.

Producing the eight-page Chatter presented all involved with a new challenge, with both journalists and advertisers having to overcome the fear of meeting new people to sell ads and interview people for stories.

After the rush to buy the paper was over, several of the pupils reflected on their time spent on the project.

The Chatter’s editor, 11-year-old Alaina Charles, said: “The thing I loved most about working on Charfield Chatter is that I had the chance to see everyone have fun doing their jobs.

“The journalists produced great articles and I was proud of my team! I enjoyed reading everybody’s work because they are brill!”

Future advertising ace Grace Timbrell, also 11, said: “I loved overcoming challenges like phoning strangers. Before my first phone call, I felt anxious because I didn't think people would be so nice! I was surprised how many people wanted to advertise. I'd love to do it again.

10-year-old Chatter reporter Ginny Fallows said: “I really liked this experience because I was able to work in a big team but also have my own responsibilities.

“I think I've got better at being organised and working under pressure. I also loved working with the professionals!”

Top photographer Morgan Garside, 10, said: “I really liked being a photographer because I got to work alongside my mum as she is a professional photographer.

“I enjoyed the trip to Essilior where I took lots of pictures and put training into practice. I'm really proud of the pictures I took there.”

Charfield School headteacher Dafydd Lawday said: "I am delighted by the outcome of ‘Project Charfield Chatter’.

"Our pupils have reached all new levels of skill and confidence during the creation of the paper .

"On print day the children were incredibly proud to see their achievements on paper, their enthusiasm when selling the paper to parents was sheer proof of that.

"The project has given our pupils great memories that will stay with them for many, many years."