This opportunity will appeal to a person with some experience of journalism who wants to work at a very local level, enjoys variety and meeting people and can turn their pen and keyboard to a wide range of topics. It goes without saying that you must have a passion for writing and be able to tell a story with concise accuracy.

Over the last 30 years Swindon Link has established itself as the most closely read publication in the town, first as a volunteer run newsletter and, since 1987, as an independent publishing business. We currently print 27,000 copies, with 24,000 delivered free of charge to our target distribution area of North and West Swindon. It has always been free and sustained entirely by advertising.

Our aim is to:
• provide a channel for news, views and information concerning North and West Swindon and also stories of town wide interest;
• celebrate the efforts of people to create and sustain participation in community groups, voluntary organisations, events and activities;
• recognise the work people do to help others in less advantaged parts of the world;
• provide an excellent opportunity for business to promote products and services to readers.

This strength of brand recognition over such a long period of time - notwithstanding the rise of the internet - has been achieved by having the right balance of advertising and editorial, and consistent quality.

We believe that, even with other publications, TV, radio and the web all clamouring for attention, at a community level paper is still the most effective means of communication. People give of their time to read The Link closely because much of its content is unique and it's the only place where they will gain the local information we carry.

The magazine appears in digital form at www.swindonlink.com where we also include material of town wide interest and early breaking stories.

Because of the demand on editorial space each month, stories in The Link are quite short - between 150 to 400 words in length. This requires precision and occasionally a touch of subtle wit.

This role is offered on a self-employed freelance basis and payment will be by the word - currently 11p per word. The reporter will cover 25 to 30 stories per month.

He or she will work from his or her own premises:
• pursuing stories directed from the editor
• following up items gained from local knowledge and contacts in the community
• sub-editing material submitted for publication

Most stories will be written from telephone interviews and briefing notes from the editor, though the reporter may prefer to be on the spot to collect information. Sometimes we may ask the reporter to take photographs on the job and this ability will be an advantage.

If this chance interests you, in the subject line type Link Vacancy, and mail to: publisher@swindonlink.com

• your CV

• a statement outlining your journalism experience and why you would like to write for The Link

• examples of your writing.