ENGINEERING apprentices from the twin towns of Darlington and Mulheim, in Germany, have been working together on a technical design project.

Modern apprentices from South West Durham Training Ltd were joined by 25 German engineering trainees from Siemens to design and manufacture a three-axis engraving tool. The tool can be computer-controlled and is driven by three small motors.

Svenja Grafina, 20, a technical draughtswoman from Mulheim, said: "It has been a fantastic experience for all of us.

"Our trainers and all the staff have been so helpful."

The apprentices also visited local companies, including Filtronic and Tallent Automotive, as well as having taken a pleasure flight over County Durham, and travelled to Birmingham to visit Delcam and the Mach 2004 event, to test the latest technology in metalworking machinery and robotics.