STUDENTS had their skills tested when the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers visited their college.

The group studying BTEC National Certificate in Public Services at Bishop Auckland College were set the challenge of making a car out of cardboard, elastic bands, sticky tape, tubing and glue. The car then had to be able to travel the length of the college gym.

The idea behind the activity was to show the students some of the skills they would need to join the Engineers.

Kaye Horner, from the college, said: "We do this course for students who are considering a career in the different services such as the army, fire brigade or police.

"We have brilliant links with the forces and this exercise has shown the group how it is to work in a team and pull together.''