STUDENTS from one of the region’s universities are taking part in a national challenge to build versions of landmarks.

Seventy students at Northumbria University are taking part in the Constructionarium building challenge, in which they create replicas of the Gherkin, in London, Millennium Galleries, in Sheffield, and the canopy roof of Naples Airport underground station.

The students, who are all studying constructionrelated degrees, will be helped by three of the region’s companies – Space Architecture, GB Building Solutions and Corepeople recruitment consultants.

The firms will help them with all aspects of the project, including planning, costs, health and safety and labour.

The university will compete against others including Cambridge, Leeds and Nottingham.

Dr Paul Chan, from Northumbria University, said: “Constructionarium gives our students the opportunity to experience the entire construction process, with the invaluable support of our industry partners.

“It means that when our students graduate, they will go on site, not just with an excellent academic background, but also with the necessary practical skills to give them the confidence to take part right from day one."