STUDENTS taking part in a Duke of Edinburgh Award have toured a £27m scheme in Durham to gain an insight into the construction industry.

Members of the DurhamGate Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award visited the Freeman’s Reach site which features a hydro-turbine and a structure to home bats living nearby.

It was part of a wider DurhamGate DofE construction careers project held to instill interest in the industry.

Ian Beaumont, project director of the Freeman’s Reach development, said: “They have gained a solid understanding of what the construction industry has to offer.

“The programme has provided the young people who took part with skills that are easily transferred to the workplace.”

Wendy Minhinnett, DurhamGate DofE project development manager, said: “The tour proved to be very useful for the candidates.”