AN INTERIOR design student has been given the chance to launch her career by designing the interior of a luxury show home.

Tracy Counter, 29, from Redcar, has been given the career opportunity of a lifetime by Bellway Homes and the show home is at their new estate, in Low Hartburn, near Stockton.

Mrs Counter has been studying interior design through a correspondence course with the Regent Academy, in London. When she was two thirds of the way through her course she wrote to 14 builders for the chance to test her skills on a live project.

Bellway North East's sales director, Doreen Pate, was happy to give her a free rein to design the interior of a bungalow and said: "Tracy's enthusiasm is infectious and she has fitted in very well. Taking her on to create a modern interior gave her experience and confidence and with her dedication we think she will make a success of her new career."

Mrs Counter, a mother of two young boys, said: "I am thoroughly enjoying this. It has given me the chance to complete something, which can be recorded photographically for my assignment portfolio. I am grateful to Bellway for giving me this opportunity to try out my skills and I am looking forward to seeing the finished project."

To view the properties for sale at Low Hartburn or look at Mrs Counter's show house contact Debbie Hall, on (01642) 673229.