A TALENTED BBC journalist has paid a visit to a Barrow sixth form to inspire students to apply for a prestigious award.

Molly Lynch, a former Barrow Sixth Form College student, paid visit to her old college to speak to A-Level media students.

She is a trustee of the Philip Geddes Memorial Prize, awarded in memory of the Barrovian journalist who was killed in an IRA bomb blast in London in 1983 aged just 24.

The award has been running for many years at sixth form to encourage students into careers in journalism.

Molly launched this year’s task for the Philip Geddes Memorial Prize 2022-23 as 500 words on ‘a person you admire’.

The winning entry, which is judged by a panel of trustees including Molly, will be invited to a lecturing dinner at the University of Oxford as well as a cash prize at the annual college awards.

Molly also gave an insight into her career and what she does in her day-to-day role as producer and editor for BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sport and covering major events such as the death of the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Phillip and the resignation of Boris Johnson.

Students asked a questions ranging from ‘What book would you suggest to get into journalism’ to ‘How did you get to where you are now’?

Molly said: “Big standout moments are key for me - including The Prime Minister resigning or the Duke of Edinburgh’s death,” she said.

“However, Covid was a proud moment for me as working at the BBC I was a source for trusted information during the pandemic in such an uncertain and worrying time for people.”

Chris Barnes, lecturer for media said it was fabulous to have Molly come in and speak to the students.

“It was really good for them to see someone who has been in their position and making it in that world,” he said.

“It shows it’s not impossible for them to work at the BBC and it’s inspirational for the students because she is relatable and now in a top position in media.”

The Phillip Geddes Memorial Prize is open to all Barrow Sixth Form students and the deadline for submissions is the Christmas break.

If you are interested in studying media visit: https://www.furness.ac.uk/courses/course-detail/course/a-level-media-studies/