TEENAGE girls have learnt engineering skills as part of a scheme to encourage them to consider a career in science.

Thirteen girls from Longfield and Branksome comprehensive schools spent three days in Darlington College of Technology's engineering department and visited local factories, including Hydram, on the Chilton Industrial Estate, and Electrolux/Flymo in Spennymoor.

The college's senior engineering tutor, Paul Brennan, said: "The main aim has been to break down the stereotypical barriers and create an awareness of career opportunities in engineering for women. It is at this age the children are thinking about their options and we are there to show they can consider science and engineering."

Alisha Riches, 14, from Longfield School, said: "I thought I would give engineering a go for a change and I'm glad I did."