A DURHAM college has been named as a centre of excellence for its travel and tourism training.

New College Durham is one of seven colleges nationally to have received Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) status in Travel and Tourism Services and is the first centre in County Durham to have full CoVE status.

It was granted the status from the Learning and Skills Council at a hand-over ceremony at the college yesterday.

The college will receive more than £500,000 over three years to implement a development plan, which aims to train people in technical skills to meet the needs of industry and the economy.

A wide range of courses and qualifications are already offered by the travel and tourism department, which include training for potential cabin crew, resort representatives, travel agents and call centre consultants.

The college has an approved travel agency, a call centre and even a mock aircraft cabin to give learners practical hands-on experience.

Olivia Grant, chairman of the Learning and Skills Council County Durham, said: "We are delighted that New College Durham has had its CoVE status formally confirmed.

"Travel and tourism is very important to County Durham and by meeting the needs of employers and encouraging more people to train in this area, the college is playing an important role in stimulating the local economy."