A TRAVEL apprentice from County Durham has won through to the final of a nationwide competition to find the Modern Apprentice of the Year.

Nicola Clarkson, 19, from Spennymoor, is one of four finalists nominated for the award on the Travel Training Programme (TTP), an annual event organised by national training provider TTC Training.

Judges will be looking for young people who have exceeded normal expectations and who have made outstanding progress at work.

Nicola was chosen as finalist for the third quarter of this year's competition.

The winner will be announced in March.

It is not the first time that Nicola, who is based at Hays Travel, in Cheapside, Spennymoor, has had her hard work and diligence recognised.

She was awarded Hays Travel's Employer of the Year 2002 prize and has recently completed her NVQ level three in travel services.

TTC training advisor Kelly Blackett, who nominated Nicola for the award, said: "Nicola has worked really hard throughout NVQ levels two and three. She is very enthusiastic, presents her work well and is an excellent example to younger trainees."

Nicola received a watch given by Fred Olsen and is now in the running to win a trip to Disneyworld in Florida, in the US, which is being sponsored by British Airways.

She said: "It is a massive achievement to be nominated for the Travel Training Programme.

"Working to my full potential and ability has enabled me to get to this stage, and I hope to continue my career to the highest level achievable."