AT THE ripe old age of 11, Kirstin Payne had her first byline in the Daily News with her hard-hitting coverage of a fire at the Warwick Baptist Church.

Although a decade has passed, the newshound's passion for a good yarn has only grown stronger and now she is officially part of the Daily News team.

The former Warwick West and Warwick State High School student has come home after four years of travel, work and study for a six-month stint at the Daily News bunker.

Kirstin will replace reporter Kerri Moore, who starts maternity leave this week.

Her passion for news and media has already seen Kirstin polish her writing style while working for magazines, politicians and even an English school.

Now, she is ready to expand on her growing skill set while covering all the action across the Southern Downs.

"I really like being a journo and I am looking forward to gaining some experience with court and council reporting while I am here," she said.

While undertaking the temporary position, Kirstin will be on break from the Bachelor of Journalism and Arts degree she is studying at UQ.

Armed with an insatiable passion for the industry, strong local knowledge and an infectious sense of humour, Kirstin is sure to be a hit with both readers and those she encounters while roving in the community.

Although much is the same as when she left the area four years ago, Kirstin jokes that some things are vastly different.

"It's funny how things have changed; I have a friend who is teacher and another who is a doctor in Stanthorpe," she said.

"Everyone's a lot more polite now and I had dinner with a friend the other night who offered me a Long Island iced tea and I turned it down because I had to work the next day. It's so weird."

 If you have a story you would like to share with Kirstin, give her a call on 4660 1364.