GIRLS from schools across Darlington were building new careers for themselves as they took part in a construction contest.

The event at the Morton Park Business Centre saw teenagers aiming to design and build a new landmark for the area, to be known as the "eighth wonder of the Tees Valley".

Pupils from Branksome School, Longfield School and Carmel RC Technology College took part in the competition, run by the industry's skills council CITB-ConstructionSkills.

Teams of year nine pupils from each school's Gifted and Talented programme set up a mock mini-construction company and came up with a plan to regenerate one of a selected number of local sites.

Each team had to investigate the site, design a suitable new building, a plan for health and safety, and yesterday constructed a model.

Terry Hanlon, education officer at CITB-ConstructionSkills, said: "Our built environment affects us all and everyone has particular buildings and structures that they like or have a positive impact on their local environment.

"A career in the construction industry can bring great satisfaction to individuals who are involved in designing and creating impressive structures."