McGowan has been offered a two year contract and starts as a trainee reporter.
She has been working for Fleet Street agency Famous Features for nearly a year and has contributed to several magazines, including Closer and Heat.
Before joining Famous Features, McGowan took a postgraduate course in newspaper journalism at the University of Central Lancashire.
"Obviously I grabbed it with both hands. I’m absolutely thrilled to be working for such a great paper which is read by millions," said Alex.
The Robert Warren Scholarship is awarded in memory of 'Bob' Warren who worked for the News of the World for 45 years and died earlier this year.
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