JOINERS, plumbers and bricklayers have captured the spiritual essence of a Japanese water garden in a project designed to hone their skills.

NVQ and BTEC National Diploma students at Darlington College have spent weeks drawing up the designs for the feature which now graces Central Point.

Every year the students are set the challenge to design and build a working feature for the reception area. Last year it was a waterwheel.

The exercise is designed to promote their individual skills in their trades and also teamwork as they work alongside each other.

Principal Tim Grant said: "The Japanese water garden really is exceptional and takes pride of place in our lobby.

"It is beautifully designed and built and shows the level of skill already achieved by our young students."