A CATERING student from Darlington has returned from an Arabian adventure in one of the world's top hotels.

Darlington College of Technology trainee chef Louise Atkins completed her work experience at the Emirates Towers, in Dubai.

"It was great and I feel I learnt a lot," said 19-year-old Miss Atkins, who completes her Level Three NVQ course in pastry this month.

"It was really interesting working on Arabic sweets and desserts, particularly as we used unusual fruit.

"The dragon fruit, for instance, was bright purple on the outside and on the inside, white with black seeds.

"I also visited one of the few seven star hotels in the world, and the whole experience has left me wanting to travel and work in different hotels around the world."

Miss Atkins has been studying at Darlington College for three years and secured the four-week work placement through a family friend who works in Dubai.

The college's senior tutor in catering, Donna Joyce, said: "Students often undertake placements in top hotels, but this is the first time one of them has gone to the Middle East.

"Louise has really benefited from her travels and I'm sure will go on to great things. Before she does we will be tapping into what she has learnt in Dubai."