AN organisation that encourages young people to consider engineering as a future career has given them some tools of the trade.

Derwentside Engineering Forum has bought tools and equipment worth about £9,000 for six secondary school in the area.

The tools, bought with a grant from the Single Regeneration Budget Partnership, include power drills, saws, vices and steel rules.

They have been presented to Blackfyne, Greencroft, Stanley, St Bede's, Moorside and Tanfield comprehensive schools.

The forum also plans to introduce a business arm to the schools engineering challenge and provide awareness activities, including an engineering roadshow.