THE engineers of the future have put their thinking caps on to tackle a series of technological problems.

About 240 youngsters in year nine at St Leonard's Roman Catholic Comprehensive School, Durham, spent a day working on a series of engineering challenges.

They were set tasks such as making a bridge out of paper, building and testing a helicopter hoist, building a water retention system and carrying out cable jointing.

On hand were experts from seven firms involved in engineering and technology, including Northumbrian Water.

The 14 and 15-year-olds were also given talks and demonstrations to whet their appetite for engineering careers.

The event was organised by the group, Industry North Project For Understanding Technology