FORMER East Durham College student Suzi Martin has gone on to take over the airwaves since leaving college, helping people wake up and get through their morning commutes across the region.

Suzi, 28, of Hartlepool, who is a producer on the Heart North East Breakfast show, was a student at High Tunstall Comprehensive, before going to East Durham College, in Peterlee, in 2004.

She had a huge interest in media but was not sure in what area her future lay.

She said: “I have always had an interest in media and was unsure as to which area I wanted to work in.

“East Durham College had great flexibility and opportunities to develop my skills in a variety of mediums.

“I was also able to attend work placements and experience real on-the-job training, which is vital when wanting to work in the media industry.”

Miss Martin added: “The staff at East Durham Community College were amazing.

“They helped to guide and hone in on my strengths and help improve my weaker skills. The staff were always there to lend a helping hand and challenged knowledge and skills to help me improve.”

After college Suzi went on to do work experience in hospital radio, where she developed a passion for the medium.

From there she progressed to larger and more established radio stations, working in varying roles and often working for free, just for the experience. Eventually, after many years, she has reached her dream job as a breakfast show producer.