IT’S a case of hair today, India tomorrow for one North-East teenager.

An apprentice at Janet Maitland Hair Excellence, 19-year-old Rachelle Davis is heading for the experience of a lifetime this month when she will be travelling to the subcontinent to help disadvantaged young people learn hairdressing skills.

Rachelle is working at the salon through the County Durham Apprenticeship Programme, funded by Durham County Council and the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

She will shortly be joining her hairdressing colleagues on a threeweek stay in the SOS Children’s Village in Chennai, south east India, where she will train underprivileged orphans in the colouring and cutting techniques she has learnt during her apprenticeship.

Councillor Neil Foster, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “This is a prime example of how the scheme can open the door to a world of opportunities and give young people the chance to pick up some valuable life experiences on the route to a successful career.”

During their visit, the group will also be tasked with setting up an employers’ day for local youngsters to showcase their skills in the hope of finding work or becoming a trainee, which Rachelle will film as part of a video diary.

“Being given this exceptional opportunity is just amazing,” Rachelle said. “Not only having an apprenticeship in an award-winning hairdressers, but playing a part in helping orphans in India is something I am very proud of.”