MEDIA student Leyanne Pennington has made her television debut at a North-East football club.

She was chosen to present a slot on Quaker TV, an initiative launched at Darlington FC's Williamson Motors Stadium.

The 17-year-old Darlington College of Technology student has a starring role in Tunnel Talk -post-match analysis of the Quakers' home games.

She also reports to camera at training sessions through the week.

Leyanne, of Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, said: "We have certainly learned what it is like to be working in a pressured, professional environment.

"It has a great opportunity for the college. It brings the media department recognition and also allows them to use all the state-of-the-art equipment."

The idea was developed by Eric Walsh and his staff in the college's journalism and media department.

Quaker TV is shown at the ground on match days and offers news, features and interviews with staff and players.

Outside broadcasts from the stadium and training ground are cut into live chat programmes from a studio at the college's media and design centre. The first show was screened at last Saturday's home game against Bury.

Mr Walsh said: "It is fantastic and the club has shown real enthusiasm for the project. For students on a diploma course it is a wonderful opportunity. To be involved in live TV at this early stage is absolutely unheard of.

Published: 23/10/2004