The young reporters are encouraged to submit stories that are important to their life or the world around them, with winners gaining the opportunity to work with BBC journalists, producers, and programme makers to prepare their story for broadcast across the BBC, including on The One Show, BBC Breakfast, Newsround, BBC Three, BBC News and BBC Local Radio programmes, as well as online and on social media.

The competition is backed by a host of on-air talent, with Huw Edwards, Alex Jones, Naga Muchetty and Nikki Fox taking part in the judging panel that will select 40 winning stories.

Judge and long-term supporter of the project, The One Show’s Alex Jones, says: "The BBC Young Reporter Competition is about empowering young people to play a part in what we all see, hear and read on the BBC and being part of the panel picking the winners is always such a privilege. It's so brilliant to really hear more about the issues that matter most to them. I can’t wait to see all the story ideas and their unique perspectives again this year!"

To mark its 100^th anniversary, the BBC will showcase 100 original stories by young people in 2022. A further 60 students will gain the opportunity to have their stories featured across the BBC later in 2022 as the BBC’s ambitious UK-wide storytelling school tour: BBC 100 Share Your Story.

How to enter BBC Young Reporter:

Story ideas can be written or uploaded as audio and are shortlisted in two age groups: 11-15 and 16-18 years old. Entries can also be submitted in Welsh. Stories will be considered on editorial merit, based on the strength of the idea, originality and the judges will be looking for a range of diverse stories from across the UK.

Entries can be submitted here with the closing deadline of Sunday 27 March 2022.

Watch the highlights from last year’s competition on BBC iPlayer.