A WOMAN who flew halfway around the world for a job interview is settling into her new post - and getting used to the chilly winter conditions.

Australian Verity Higgins had never visited the UK until she saw an advert on the Internet for the position of assistant director at Richmond-based North Country Theatre.

When she was shortlisted, she used her savings to pay for a flight and combined her interview with a visit to relations in London.

She got the job and left the gold-mining town of Ballarat, in Victoria, earlier this month, swapping temperatures of 40C for a Dales winter.

"I only knew the area from the All Creatures Great and Small television series, but I thought it looked beautiful," she said.

"I am beginning to explore the Dales, which are lovely, but I'm finding it very cold at this time of year.

"I wanted to travel and to have chance of exploring the northern hemisphere."

Ms Higgins, who now lives in Richmond, was a professional actress and director, touring Australia with a number of productions. She also taught performing arts and ran workshops in schools and colleges.

Her post has been funded for two years by Arts Council.

Published: 29/01/2005