A young enterprising media student has seen an ambitious pitch for work experience pay off with the chance to film and photograph his home town's biggest music event of the year.
Adam Gooch, a media student at Dereham Sixth Form College, approached the organisers of the Dereham Blues Festival to see if he could help out with coverage of the event, and was thrilled when they said 'yes'.
As a result festival organisers have decided to further links with the college and start a youth development scheme - and have secured sponsorship for it through wind farm company Vattenfall.
They will be giving Adam £250 to spend on new equipment and £150 for a professional development course.
Festival secretary Doreen Aitken said they were impressed by Adam's approach and drive to find experience in the media industry that would help him further his career.
'As we are hoping to achieve charitable status we agreed to him helping us cover at least the first half of the festival's opening concert using film and and still photography and capturing a selection of other festival events under supervision,' she said.
'We met with his tutor who was extremely enthusiastic about the opportunity. Adam will also have editorial access to a page on the festival website where he can upload and publish all his footage.
'We have talked about an on-going relationship with the sixth form college to help other students - but they have to be as enterprising as Adam!'
Adam, who lives in Scarning, said his dream was to work as a camera operator on live events either in music or sport. 'This will really help move things forward for me,' he said. 'It will be a great experience.'
Vattenfall's involvement with Dereham comes through its bid to build the Norfolk Vanguard wind farm about 30 miles east of Great Yarmouth and then take cables underground to a substation at Necton, passing Dereham en route.
Susan Falch-Lovesay, public liaison officer, said they wanted to support young people in the area.
'We want to get involved with the community for the long term and we aim to listen and engage with people. Furthering the development of young people is a priority so we are happy to support Adam and the festival.'
The Dereham Blues Festival runs from July 6 to 9.
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