STUDENTS tackled a construction challenge designed to interest youngsters from across South West Durham in the industry.

Candidates of the DurhamGate Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) scheme took up the RollaBall challenge and were split into three teams tasked with designing and building a runway capable of carrying a ball.

Each of the groups was responsible for a third of the runway and the students had to communicate and co-operate to succeed.

The DurhamGate site is based near Spennymoor and the RollaBall project was delivered by NG Bailey, a leading engineering, IT and facilities services business, and DurhamGate DofE partner.

The project formed part of a wider DurhamGate DofE project to promote careers in construction during March.

Wendy Minhinnett, DurhamGate DofE project development manager, said: “The RollaBall challenge has been very successful.

“It has given the award candidates an insight into the construction industry and has developed new team working skills and self-confidence that is essential for their future careers.”

Jon Crank, divisional technical manager at NG Bailey, said: “It is clear that the young people have developed great communication and team working skills as the final outcome was fantastic.”