Two sisters have returned to work after two years to help promote one of the most spectacular events this summer - The Tall Ships' Races 2005 .

The fleet of 100 Tall Ships will arrive in NewcastleGateshead on July 24th and will remain on the Quayside until July 28th - the Parade of Sail when the ships leave the Port of Tyne in full sail embarking on the last leg of the race to Norway. In response, Gateshead Council has been in search of Visitor Information Assistants to provide information to the thousands of
tourists expected.

Sisters Michelle and Lisa McNally have now secured part-time work at Gateshead Visitor Centre at St Mary's Church for the next 26 weeks thanks to help from Gateshead Council.

Michelle and Lisa are among nine new employees at Gateshead Visitor Centre who are being trained in all aspects of tourism. Fast becoming experts on the local area the new staff will also be equipped to book accommodation and find information about events that are happening throughout the borough.

Full time mums Michelle and Lisa completed a travel destinations qualification and a Customer Service NVQ earlier this year as part of an ongoing initiative by Gateshead Council's Economic Development Service to provide employment and training support to out of work residents in Gateshead. The courses provided them with the skills they needed to work in the travel and tourism industry and following a 6-month work placement the opportunity at Gateshead Visitor Centre arose.

The team then trained the sisters on filling in applications forms,writing CV's and interview skills.

Deputy leader of Gateshead Council, Councillor Ian Mearns said; "This is a fantastic opportunity for Michelle and Lisa to put their new skills into practice. We are delighted to offer this opportunity to Michelle, Lisa and their colleagues.

"Working during the Tall Ships' Race is great tourism experience for their CV, which will be sure to help them secure full time employment in the future.

"The Tall Ships' Race 2005 will bring thousands of visitors to the region throughout the summer and having trained Visitor Information Staff will make everyone's experience of the borough even more enjoyable. The aim of all courses is for people to gain the required skills to access employment
either whilst studying or on completion of the course."

When the fleet of over 100 Tall Ships' start to arrive and make their way up river to NewcastleGateshead on 24 July the new Visitor Information staff will be on hand at kiosks on Gateshead Quayside to help visitors make the most out of the event as well as letting them know about other events happening around the borough including the Gateshead Summer Flower Show, which takes place at the end of the week from Friday 29th - Sunday 31st July.

Excited about the opportunity of working during the Tall Ships, Michelle added said; "Working in tourism is a great way for finding out things about the borough and the North East. This job is an exciting opportunity and experience for me particularly since I'd like to stay in the industry."