A TEENAGER who started skiiing three years ago has qualified to teach in Europe and the US.

Georgina Maxwell was among a group of six successful Sport, Leisure and Tourism students at Darlington College of Technology, the only establishment in Europe to offer such a ski programme.

The 19-year-old, from Reeth, North Yorkshire, hopes to become a ski instructor during the winter and an outdoor education teacher for the rest of the year.

"Skiing is amazing, it's good fun and keeps you fit," said Georgina.

"I think it will make a great career."

She was one of three students to gain the American Ski Instructor's Award - for the first time in the college's history - allowing them to instruct in the US.

Russell Smith, 17, of Thirsk, has already made plans to seek a job in Calgary, Canada, as a result of his success.

"I'm going in September to become a ski instructor in the Canadian Rockies," he said.

"I was desperate to get the qualification and it means I can now apply for my visa and get a job there."

Charolotte Wilson, 17, of North Cowton, who also gained the qualification, said: "I want to instruct and travel. I would like to be able to go back to Canada. It is gorgeous."

Three other students gained the English Ski Council's Alpine Ski Leaders Awards, allowing them to work as ski guides in European resorts.

They were: Kim Follwell, 17, of Barnard Castle; Chris Beattie, 18, and Tom Cuthbertson, 18, both of Darlington.

The courses include instruction in the classroom as well as on the slopes. Studies comprise skiing, instruction and demonstration techniques.