Dream Comes True For Biking Ranger

Alan Sugar's new apprentice may have landed a high profile job in the high-octane world of business. But for 32 year-old Andrea Trager, from Slaley, there's only one hot-seat worth bothering about! She has just been appointed as the new recreation ranger assistant at 155,000-acre Kielder Water and Forest Park by the Forestry Commission. The move is a dream come true for the former site assistance at Tyne Riverside Country Park, near Prudhoe. For Andrea is a keen mountain biker and one of her new jobs is to saddle-up and ensure that the new trails being built at Kielder are kept in tip-top condition. They include a new 15 kilometre down hill trail from the summit of 2,000 foot Deadwater Fell - due to be opened next month - which will ensure she stays as "fit as a fiddle!" Andrea said: "Kielder is a sensational place to work, filled with over 150 million trees and boundless horizons. For an outdoor fan it's heaven. My new job is all about getting out and about and ensuring people are able to get the most out of exploring the stunning wilderness." After leaving school Andrea took a media studies course and then had a succession of retail jobs before setting her heart on working in the environment. She took an NVQ in forestry and eventually completed a degree in countryside management at Newcastle University She added: "I really wanted an outdoor job and have worked hard to gain the right qualifications and experience. My job at Kielder also involves checking footpaths and helping run scores of special events, from bike rides to star parties. I’ve really landed on my feet and I’m loving ever minute of it." Kielder's new bike trails, including a new training area near Kielder Castle and a family route along Kielder Water, are expected to be buzzing during National Bike Week (16-24 June). For visitor information call 01434 250209, or visit http://www.forestry.gov.uk/NorthEastEngland Bike hire is available from the Bike Place, Kielder on 01434 250457.