TRAVEL agents are meeting the deadline to gain an essential qualification in insurance after the launch of an online course in the region.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has insisted travel agency staff gain the qualification by September 30.

The idea is to upgrade the way travel insurance is sold and to raise expertise across the industry.

New College Durham is one of the first colleges to offer the ABTA/FSA Travel Insurance Qualification levels one and two through it's centre of vocational excellence in travel and tourism services.

If travel agency staff register on a course at the college before the FSA deadline, the training will be free.

For more information, call 0191-375 4094.