HUNTINGDON Hall dynamo Esther Blaine is to leave her job for a month to join the Press team at the prestigious Edinburgh Festival.

Esther, who is assistant director of the Worcester city centre music venue, beat hundreds of hopefuls to take up the temporary post and says she can't wait for her 'busman's holiday' to begin.

"This is an opportunity I've been waiting for since I started my career 10 years ago," she said.

"I sent in my CV, went up to Edinburgh for a 30-minute interview and was amazed to be offered the opportunity.

"It's just too good to miss. Although I won't be in Worcester for the month of August, all our clients know I'll be on the end of a phone and a computer, so I will still be able to carry on my work for Huntingdon Hall."

Esther, who has worked at the CrownGate venue for four years, says the experience and the skills she will hone at Edinburgh, will be a positive advantage for Worcester.

"I'll be working at an international festival with people from all over the world, as well as the professional team who work for the festival all-year round," said the 28-year-old.

"My job includes ferrying stars and personalities to TV and radio stations. I hope that I will be able to ensure Huntingdon Hall gets regular TV coverage, which can only be good for business.

"It will give me more ideas to raise the profile of Huntingdon Hall."

Chris Jaeger, Esther's boss and director of the Grade II listed arts venue in Deansway, said he was delighted for his protege.

"I'm very, very proud of Esther," said Mr Jaeger.

"Many are called but few are chosen. Dozens and dozens of hopefuls from the arts world would have battled for Esther's place.

"The unique experience of working at the Edinburgh Festival is revered and will be fantastic for her development.

"She will come back to us even better at her job - and she's very good already."