A BUILDER is proving age is no barrier as he works towards his first qualification at the age of 62.

Bryan Mitchell, of Sunderland, has worked in construction for 35 years, but did not want to be left behind as working practice and skills standards in the construction industry rose.

The Mowlem employee decided to work towards an NVQ in construction and civil engineering services through an on-site programme.

He said: "The idea appealed to me because younger workers are now all qualified, so it is good for me to gain qualifications as well. I will be really proud to achieve it."

Contracts manager David Watson said: "We need to drive forward programmes like these to up-skill the workforce, which should reduce accidents, eliminate cowboys and improve health and safety.

"It is good business sense to be able to show our clients that our workers are competent and appropriately qualified."

Mr Mitchell's first job as a concrete worker in 1968 with Mowlem was constructing the Gateshead Viaduct.