TEESSIDE is hoping to further boost its reputation as an international tourist destination by playing host to a French student.

Elodie Masson, 24, aims to reap the mutual benefits of spending more than three months in Hartlepool by enhancing her own career prospects.

She is based with Hartlepool Borough Council's countryside wardens and will remain in the town until Saturday, June 24, spending part of her time helping them with conservation tasks and environmental education.

Elodie, who is from Orleans, is in the third year of a tourism and sustainable development course.

Her main thesis concerns the development of sustainable tourism, but during her stay she is considering how best to persuade tourists to visit Hartlepool.

Countryside warden Robert Smith said: "I would expect Elodie to land a senior job once she has successfully completed her studies, so it can only help Hartlepool if we impress her during her stay.

"Hartlepool is tailor-made for Elodie's studies, given the way it has re-invented itself as a tourist destination after overcoming many of the problems associated with industrial decline."

Elodie said: "I have been impressed with the town's many natural assets, particularly its nature reserves.

"It is good to see people bringing about environmental improvements themselves, rather than leaving it to others."