PHOTOGRAPHER John Gibb is to share his experience of 40 years working in war zones around the world with students in the region.

The tutor at Darlington College of Technology is leading a new photojournalism course -the first of its type in the country.

Mr Gibb first picked up a camera as a teenager and has spent the past four decades taking photographs in some of the world's troublespots, including Albania, Sierra Leone, Rwanda and Kosovo.

He was in Rwanda during the 1994 genocide and, after seeing the trauma of young people caught up in war in Albania, launched a children's charity.

His war correspondence came to a violent end in Sierra Leone when muggers tried to steal his camera equipment and he was run over by a car in the melee, crushing his legs.

On his recovery he returned to England, took a teaching certificate at Darlington College and was later appointed lecturer in the journalism department.

The 30-week course will combine classroom studies with placements alongside professionals, which will give entrants the chance to build up a portfolio.

Students will be shown how to capture images on digital stills and video equipment, including news, sport and magazine photography.

Each week, they will be placed with a newspaper or agency to get hands-on experience.

The course is open to applicants who have two A-levels or equivalent and have a portfolio of photography work. It costs £1,400, but is free to under-19s.

To enrol, call (01325) 503050.