Not everyone who starts a new job is asked to feed the sharks and piranhas.

But, for Piene Cuppens and Lotte Solli, it was exactly what they expected when they began their new jobs as aquarists at Brighton Sea Life Centre this week.

The two women were chosen from 150 people who applied for the sought-after posts after reading our article about the vacancies.

Peter Jones, displays curator at the centre, said: "It was a very difficult decision. We couldn't possibly interview 150 people so we narrowed it down to 30. But to choose the final two was even more difficult.

"Both girls have got really nice personalities, which is important as they will be dealing with the public every day. They were also very keen and demonstrated they were dedicated to animals in general."

Lotte, 26, of Clarence Square, Brighton, studied marine biology and worked in a similar centre in her native Norway before moving to England four years ago.

Piene, 20, was studying travel and tourism at Hove College before taking up her new position. She is also a qualified scuba diver.

Piene, of Brunswick Place, Brighton, said: "I read about it and thought I'd give it a go.

"I always wanted to work with animals but I never thought I'd get the job. It's been really fun and is different all the time.

"I've already helped feed the sharks but the strangest creatures are the piranhas. They won't eat if they're being watched. But if you go away and come back again, the food has gone."

The pair will carry out what centre manager Toby Forer has dubbed "the most interesting job in the world" helping out at feeding time and looking after display tanks.

Among the creatures Piene and Lotte will work with are a deadly lionfish, stingrays which can cause paralysis and a mantis shrimp with claws which can strike at the speed of a bullet.

They will have the chance to get involved in the centre's captive breeding programme involving seahorses and native sharks.