YOUNG engineers who have designs on a construction title were given an insight into the work behind some of the region's newest landmarks.

Eight teams from south Durham schools, who have entered an Enterprise in Construction Challenge, toured the Newcastle and Gateshead Quayside, including the Millennium Bridge and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts.

They include the current champions St John's RC, of Bishop Auckland, who have three teams in the competition, as well as two groups from Bishop Barrington School, one from Wolsingham School and Community College and two from Ferryhill Comprehensive.

Construction company MMP, from Bishop Auckland, runs the contest with the Construction Industry Training Board.

Next year's final is in Auckland Castle on February 25, when the winners will receive £500 and a trophy at an event supported by the National Federation of Builders.

Glyn Neasham, MMP's health and safety training manager, said: "The ongoing need for skilled young people is an issue that the whole construction industry is facing and the Enterprise in Construction Challenge is our way of helping to address the issue.

"Launching this year's competition with an educational tour of some of Newcastle and Gateshead's construction landmarks was a way of encouraging the children to think about the importance and the demand for this industry in their local environment."

Since the challenge was launched by MMP in 2001 other projects have been launched in Darlington and Sunderland.

Each team member takes on a role, choosing from careers including surveyor, engineer and joiner, while groups design their own logo, letterhead and brochure. Entries from last year's competition are on display in Morrisons supermarket, in Bishop Auckland, until Friday.