A NEW opportunity has struck a chord with a band manager after she became the first student to secure a journalism apprenticeship to pursue her passion.

Krystal Starkey is now working as a feature writer on a community newsletter while studying the intricacies of journalism at Darlington College.

The 20-year-old, of Huby, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, is studying the National Council for the Training of Journalists diploma.

“It is all very exciting,” said Krystal, who works for a community paper in York. “I was working in a bar in York and got talking to the publisher. Until then I thought it was all a pipedream but I am more determined than ever to achieve my goals.

“It has been amazing working for the local community paper. I’ve had a go at everything from painting the office walls to sales but I love being a feature writer and the Darlington College journalism course is now giving me all the skills I need.

“I made the top 50 in a writing competition run by The Sun and am not afraid to aim high,” she said. “I want to work in fashion or travel journalism and that is the goal I have set myself.”

Darlington College’s curriculum manager for Arts, Media and Publishing Alan Jones said: “I am delighted to welcome Krystal as our first NCTJ journalism apprentice.

“There has been a lot of interest from publishing companies about the apprenticeship programme and the college looks forward to growing this provision.”