Young builders are learning that the construction industry is more than just cementing a few bricks together.

The group of six pupils from Darlington's Longfield School, aged 15 and 16, won a £10,000 national competition, the Schools Challenge, organised by York building company Shepherd Construction

By designing an extensive project to transform their dilapidated school yard, the pupils won the chance - and the money - to carry out their dream project.

This week, the school is witnessing the finishing touches being made to the new school yard, which a few weeks ago was a rough, uneven and uninspiring playtime area.

Daniel Alsop, 15, one of the team of designers, said: "People used to stand around in groups in the yard, looking tired and bored."

The yard has been transformed into a bright, colourful area, with a large clock dedicated to the memory of the pupils' favourite headteacher, Dr William Ions, head from 1992 to 2000, who died after an illness.

"Dr Ions hated the school yard," said Chris Hakin, 15, another member of the team.

"He thought it was dangerous and was always trying to get something done about it.

"We themed our design around time because Dr Ions was always talking about making the most of time, and how precious it was."

During the past few weeks, the yard has been resurfaced with tarmac and seating has been introduced.

Sharon Copeland-Jones, Shepherd's personnel director, who was one of the competition judges, said Longfield won the contest because pupils had "gone the extra mile" for their project.

She said: "The six pupils turned it into a project for the whole school. They stood out because of the uniqueness of their presentation.

"They consulted everyone they could think of for their views on the design - pupils, teachers, ex-pupils, and even feeder primary schools."

Ms Copeland-Jones said the project, which will become an annual contest, was aimed at encouraging more people to choose careers in the construction industry.

"There is a well-publicised skills shortage in the industry," she said.

"The perceived image of the industry is not seen to be attractive - particularly a few years ago when it didn't look like a safe career option.

"But we are committed to attracting young talent."

The pupils had to come up with detailed designs for the project, bearing in mind cost and health and safety issues.

They were given work placements at Shepherd's head office in York and at nearby construction sites, including the hospital at Bishop Auckland, which Shepherd is working on.

Pupils made a model of their designs and gave a detailed multi-media presentation to judges.

Team member Ian Bell, 16, said: "We really didn't think we would win.

"We were still adding the finishing touches to our model on the morning of the presentation.

"We were so pleased to win - and our teacher was in tears when we did it."

The six pupils, including the other three team members, Jennifer Mulholland, Lewis Moses and John Stephens, all 15, will officially open the yard on May 30