And Burton Mail reporters Gareth Butterfield and Ed Hill (pictured below) did not have to go far to pick up the story. A would-be burglar was spotted on the roof of a motorbike shop near their digs and despite being trapped by the police he refused to come down.

A five-hour stand-off followed with the 'fiddler on the roof' hurling slates at the police every time they tried to coax him down.

Gareth and Ed interviewed neighbours and police officers as the alleged burglar indulged in his night on the tiles.

Gareth said: "Well, there wasn't much point trying to go to bed not with the police helicopter hovering over the street all night."

The man eventually climbed down at 3.40am and the lads were able to get some sleep.

Not much though as they were both in early to file copy for the Evening Chronicle.

News editor, James Marley said: "They were a great help and earned their by-lines – they even remembered to take a few pictures."

Their efforts resulted in a page five lead and great start to the 16-week course.