INDUSTRIAL designer John Atkins has landed a job in the Far East, working on the next generation of computers for children.

The 22-year-old former Darlington college student has secured a job in Hong Kong with VTECH, an international company that designs and makes children's learning consoles and wireless handsets.

Once his visa and work permit come through, he will be based in the Chinese special economic zone city of Tai Po, about 40 minutes from Hong Kong.

Mr Atkins, who is originally from Barnard Castle, County Durham, said he was thrilled at the prospect of living and working in Asia.

He said: "I love other cultures, so jumped at the chance. I am a bit nervous but also really looking forward to the challenge of being in charge of my own ideas and working them up from the concept stage."

He studied a National Diploma in Engineering and a Level 2 City and Guilds at Darlington College of Technology for two years, and then went to Teesside University, where he gained a first-class degree in industrial design.