EAST Durham College has opened its very own own travel agency.

EDC Travel, was opened by Hays Independence Group founder and director, John Hays, at the college’s Peterlee Campus on Thursday evening.

The store, set up in partnership with the Hays Independence Group, will be managed by Julie Heath who has extensive experience in the travel industry, having worked for Thomson for 20 years.

It will also be staffed by the college’s travel and tourism students, with the aim of providing them with valuable work experience.

In addition, students at the college’s Peter Jones Enterprise Academy will also benefit, as they will help in the running and marketing of the shop to gain experience about how a real commercial business is set up and ran.

East Durham College principal Suzanne Duncan, said: “The college is committed to providing a learning environment that helps students develop the right level of skills and knowledge, making them more desirable to employers at the end of their course.”

College lecturer in travel and tourism Mandy Sert, added: “EDC Travel will provide students with the opportunity to develop the three most important skills required for successful employment in the industry – the ability to sell, the ability to provide good customer service and great product knowledge."

Mr Hays said: “I am very proud that Hays Travel are part of such a great opportunity for students to develop key skills and gain hands on experience of working within the travel industry.

“The travel industry is a fun and rewarding environment to work in, I have been hooked since 1980, and I wish EDC Travel the best of luck.”

The store is open from 10am to 6pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday and from 10am to 8pm on Tuesday and Thursday.

For more information contact 0191-518 5566 or email edctravel@eastdurham.ac.uk