STUDENT mechanics have been putting their skills to good use by helping to restore a classic car.

The 1936 Hillman Minx was a rusty shell and boxes of bits when it was discovered in a barn in Teesdale by Bishop Auckland automotive parts dealer Derek Ward.

"It looked like a load of scrap," he said.

"The body was upside down resting on the chassis and we needed eight vehicles to bring down all the boxes of bits."

The car was then handed over to Darlington College of Technology as a project for its level one and two National Vocational Qualification students to renovate.

Tutor Ronnie Spears said the students had worked on the car for about 15 hours a week, repairing holes in the body, realigning panels and restoring sections that were dented and rusty.

They then sprayed it navy blue with black wings.

"It has been a fantastic project and allowed them to compare the construction of old vehicles with new ones," he said.

"It has been an excellent teaching resource and the students have done a great job."

The Hillman, one of about 100 in existence, had belonged to a man from Mickleton, who had started rebuilding the car but had not been able to complete the project.