DOZENS of rejection letters are not stopping teenager Helen Little pursuing her unusual dream of working in a funeral parlour.

The 17-year-old from Wolsingham, County Durham, has written dozen letters over the past few years, pleading for a job as a trainee undertaker.

She has also tried to find a place on several privately-run embalmers' courses and fears that her gender is against her in a male-dominated profession.

Helen is set on finding herself a job in time for the end of her A-levels at Wolsingham School and Community College next summer.

She said: "Some people think it is strange, but it is something I have wanted to do since I was 13. I am particularly interested in embalming, which I regard as a great privilege, because it is the last thing you do for a person."

Some funeral directors have suggested that Helen was too young and others have told her there are few places to offer.

Her mother, Jeannie, said: "She doesn't want to leave home and I don't see why she should, but we have tried everything and we don't know where to turn. It is very frustrating."

Anyone who can help can contact Helen on (01388) 660664.