AN Accrington teenager has bucked the trend by securing a job straight out of college.

Former Blackburn College student, Hannah Ward, 19, who was named as the Level 3 Interior Design Student of the Year at the prestigious Creative Arts Awards, has been given a job as a interior design co-ordinator.

Hannah began working for B&Q, Blackburn, as soon as she left college despite high youth unemployment.

Hannah said: “I’m so happy to win this award.

"The course was a lot of work but now it all seems worth it.

"After I left school I knew I wanted to study interior design and Blackburn College was the only college in the area that offered such a specialised course.

“Now I advise people on how to design their homes. I’m loving my job.”