1. A local journalist’s perspective Michaela Robinson-Tate Chief feature writer Cumbria Life magazine How to get your stories in the press

2. Dos and Don’ts Remember journalists are human – be nice! Try to make a personal contact Know your publication Don’t ring on press day! Have a story to tell Put together a good press release: clear and concise Use paragraphs – they really make a difference Decent pictures will usually help

3. What’s the story? Your charity – Making Memories – is based in Chester. It provides adventure holidays for children with disabilities in the north west You want to raise £50,000 to buy a minibus adapted for wheelchair use You are holding a family fun day at your Chester HQ comprising:

4. What’s the story? continued A zip wire display by Hang Tough - the UK’s only full-time zip wire display team – two of whom use wheelchairs. They will arrive on a zip wire surrounded by a ring of fire. A best looking dog competition Date is this Sunday, November 8 An appearance and book signing by Peter Andre – who’s taking time off from Strictly Come Dancing Stalls, family treasure trail, activities for everyone to try Peter Andre was inspired to help after being approached by a young friend, Rosie Roberts, aged nine, from Chester who uses a wheelchair and has been on holiday with Making Memories (you have her details and the family’s permission to use her story) The event is to be opened by Sophie, Countess of Wessex 10k race that local people can enter You have a picture of Rosie and Peter

5. PRESS RELEASE Royal seal of approval for fundraising day Countess of Wessex and Strictly star Peter Andre at Making Memories big day

6. PRESS RELASE Family fun day Zip wire display, 10k race, royal visitor and pop star at charity event

7. What makes a good story? Something new or unusual The ah factor An event of local significance Someone working for you as a volunteer or staff member with an unusual background Or someone volunteering for you because of their personal circumstances Something that makes a lovely picture A celebrity endorsement or appearance – but the right sort