A SCHOOLGIRL has won a paid work experience placement in an Apprentice-style contest.

Caitlin Hodgson, a sixth former at St Leonard's Catholic School in Durham City, was "hired" by Ford Harrison IFA after winning Durham's Learner Programme competition.

The contest was run with Durham Rotary Club and challenged students to demonstrate business skills and interview techniques.

It also included aspects of market research, project planning, finance and marketing.

Contestants were "fired" each week as on the BBC's The Apprentice, with Caitlin surviving as the winner.

Andrew Harrison, of sponsors Ford Harrison IFA, said: "The Learner Programme is an invaluable experience for students, no matter what their career aspirations may be.

"We were delighted with the effort that the students put in, all off their own back, and it was great to see so many bright business stars of the future already developing.

"If these talented individuals can keep the same level of effort in their occupational lives, they will be very successful."

The other finalists were Dominica Halton, Jessica Hetherington and Katie Baggott.