THE bi-annual Skillweld Olympics are ensuring the skills required in the region's welding industry are kept alive.

The winner of the event, held at South Tyneside College, was 20-year-old Richard Whitaker from Stanley, County Durham, who works for Swan Hunter.

He was presented with his award by John Pearsall, of the Association for Welder Training in Education (AWTE), who said: "The standard of entries was extremely high this year.

"South Tyneside College has a strong relationship with local companies, who sponsor materials, welding equipment, safety equipment and prizes. Everyone is keen to win and go to the Skillweld national finals, in Cambridge, in April."

The winners of the Cambridge event will represent the industry at the UK Skills Show, in Manchester, in November, and that could lead to an appearance in the international Skills Olympics, in Switzerland, next year.

Kevin Scott, head of welding at South Tyneside College, said: "The Skillweld Olympics are open to anyone with six months' training and whose instructor believes they can demonstrate work of a good visual standard. Entrants find the competition stimulating because it gives them the opportunity to test their mettle and observe the standards achieved by others."