A WOMAN is swapping the rain of East Lancashire for the Dubai sun after getting a royal seal of approval for a career change.

Laura Clarke, 22, of Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors, beat off hundreds of competitors from around the world in a rigorous selection process to become a member of Emirates Airlines cabin crew.

She said the final approval of her appointment was given by the King of the United Arab Emirates, who verifies all new employees.

This was after two eight-hour interviews in London and an assessment of her appearance from some photographs to make sure she had the right look.

Before an application was put in, she had to fulfil Emirates criteria of being between 5ft 2in and 5ft10in tall with her weight in proportion to her height, having a clear complexion and not being a spectacle-wearer.

Laura plans to complete a three-year contract with the Dubai-based airline before trying to use the experience to make it as a travel writer.

She flies out to Dubai on March 8 to begin a five-month training course in temperatures of up to120F.

Once she takes her place on a cabin crew, she will be based in Sydney, Egypt, South Africa, Nairobi, Pakistan, India and the East Indies.

Laura, a former pupil of St. Wilfrid's High School, Blackburn, has previously worked as a professional dancer, a Pontins bluecoat and the manager of an organisation marketing Blackpool as a tourist destination.

She is trying to learn as many different aspects of the travel industry to help her become a travel writer.

Laura said: "I have always wanted to work in travel and it's a really prestigious job that gives me the chance to see a variety of different places.

"I feel a job like this is the missing link to help me become a travel writer. I was told my application form went to the Dubai royal family for their approval."