TEENAGE travel agent Laura Docherty really is going places after scooping a national award.

The 17-year-old beat nearly 900 colleagues from across Britain to win a Director's Special Award - just eight months after joining Thomas Cook as an apprentice.

"It's not just my figures, but my personality, overall," said Laura from Stockton, who works at the Thomas Cook branch housed in the Big W store at Portrack. "It's all about dealing with customers and it's just brilliant. I did not expect to win.

"I have been working here since July. I came straight from Stockton Sixth Form College."

Manda Perkovic, the shop manager, said: "Laura is a real asset and always goes that extra mile for customers. We are all delighted that she has won this special award.

"It is great that Laura has been recognised as the best modern apprentice in the UK.

"She has demonstrated dedication, hard work and a commitment to high levels of customer service."

Laura received a filofax and a certificate.