Today's newspaper is the first to contain The Word, the summer newsletter of St Michael's Catholic School and Specialist Status College in Garston.

All the stories and photographs contained in The Word have been produced by pupils and staff from St Michael's and it has been designed in conjunction with the school.

The newspaper has published the newsletter as part of its on-going commitment to the school as it pursues its journalism studies which compliments the school's special college status in humanities. A working party of pupils and staff was set up to steer the project with editors, writers and photographers being appointed.

Students and staff have made several visits to the Watford Observer's offices in Caxton Way, Watford, to see how the newspaper is produced and reciprocal visits have been made to the school with reporters talking about writing and interview technique, and careers in journalism.

Editorial manager Frazer Ansell said: "The school was already doing a fantastic job with regards its journalism studies but hopefully our involvement has helped put theory into practice.

"I would like to thank the teachers driving the project, Ian Peatrie and Lucy Sutcliffe, for their enthusiasm and commitment, and head teacher John Murphy for giving it his blessing."

Teacher Lucy Sutcliffe added: "We were already producing a newsletter but to have our students' work published to a wider audience in the Watford Observer is a dream come true."

If your school would like to consider a similar project telephone Frazer Ansell on 01923 216294 or email editor@watfordobserver.co.uk.

Click on Video and watch St Michael's headteacher John Murphy speaking on the project.