A NORTH Yorkshire woman has had her first break in the world of theatre after the county's Training and Enterprise Council (TEC) helped her target her dream job.

Judith Kirk, from Northallerton, won a four-week placement with the Paines Plough Theatre Company on Ticket to Write at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, after entering a competition organised by the TEC.

But she has since been back to the theatre on a short-term contract, helping with the Christmas show.

And, with some experience under her belt, Judith now has her sights firmly set on a new career.

She said: "My placement has helped me find out more about the job I would like to do.

"My original ambition was to be a costume designer, but I have found my skills are more suited to working in the wardrobe department.

"I loved the job placement, which involved everything from buying costumes to dressing actors, and I'm delighted that the West Yorkshire Playhouse invited me to go back and work on the Christmas production.''

TEC advisors are working with Judith on her next step, but spokeswoman Nicky Brunker says everyone can learn from her experience.

"Careers centres have free information available on what jobs are needed in what areas, lists of employers in the area and access to the Internet and library information for specific company information," she said.

More information on help available can also be obtained by telephoning 0800 515547.