A young woman has achieved her dream of studying marine biology abroad.

20-year-old Hollie Tweedie from Carlisle had wanted to study marine biology for a long time.

She celebrated her future study plan with her family, and others around the city saw a message of congratulatoins flying through the sky.

She said: "Yesterday I had a little leaving party for close family and frineds.

"My dad's (Steven) friend (Rob Stinger) flew a plane above Carlisle and was circling all over Carlisle.

"I had no idea about that being planned."

The plane was carrying a banner that said "Good luck Hollie".

She continued: "I finished sixth form in March last year. 

"I was meant to go to study last August but because of Covid I made the decision to defer till this year.

"I spent last year working in Caldew School as a teaching assisstant, it was great to be back there, it's where I went to school."

Hollie described why she chose to study this: "For as long as I can remember I have loved the ocean.

"My heart always leads me to the sea.

"I always asked marine biologists questions and wanted to be involved with the workers.

"I was in The Maldives when I was younger and the marine biologists took me out with snorkels, and took me through what they did and it made me realise that I can do it for a job.

"I have internships and my love for the ocean grew stronger."

Hollie will be studying in Rollins College in Florida.

She said: "I was on holiday in Florida and we happened to be where the campus was.

"We were walking along the campus and I felt like I fit in there really well.

"I am from a small village and only have been to small school.

"This campus is small too, and the marine biology course is great.

"I am very nervous about it, but I think that when I found Rollins it was my dream to go there and I think that my dream is finally coming true.

"I have been waiting very patiently for it.

"My sister, Tillie-Mae, atended Caldew School too, and also wants to study in Florida.

"She wants to study to become a pilot in the European Flight School which is also in Florida."