AN Italian-born student has been recognised for her international skills by one of the region's universities.

Mara Pollock, of Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, has just graduated from Teesside University's BA International Business Studies course.

To round off her achievements, she was awarded a special prize for her outstanding performance.

The 32-year-old, who plans to continue her studies on the Masters course, said: "As a mature student, I already had a background in business, but I wished to gain management experience.

"I am interested in international business, as it involves studying modern languages, and there was an opportunity to go abroad for my placement."

Ms Pollock's second-year placement was spent in France and led to her representing Teesside University at a student exchange conference in London.

During the course, she worked for the university's School of Business and Management and was a student support officer in the school's information centre and a student representative for the international business studies course.