A Facebook-funded Community Reporter has started at the Argus.

Sam Brooke is one of the first Community Reporters to be appointed in the country and will focus on covering news from communities in Brighton and Hove.

The 18 year-old began his new job on Wednesday, March 20.

Sam takes up the Community Reporter role after the social media company pledged to support journalism.

Facebook is funding around 80 Community Reporters in the UK through a £4.5m charitable donation to the NCTJ to support a two year Community News project with regional publishers.

Sam said: “I’m excited to get started and I hope I can make a positive impact on the people of Brighton. I’ve already got my teeth into some good stories.

“Journalism is all about giving a voice to those who don’t have one and that’s what I want to achieve.”

Editor Arron Hendy added: “I’m proud to appoint Sam. He is a great addition in the team and I’m sure he’ll do a great job in giving a voice to under-represented areas in Brighton.

“Facebook is hugely important in connecting our newspaper with the community, so it’s fantastic Facebook are willing to fund these jobs across the UK.

If you have a story for Sam, contact him via samuel.brooke@newsquest.co.uk or 01273 021380.