DOZENS of young tradesmen have been competing for the chance to represent their country in an international competition.

A regional heat of Skillbuild was staged at Darlington College of Technology, which involved apprentices from across the North.

About 25 trainee plasterers, painters, bricklayers, tilers and joiners were set tasks by Skillbuild officials, which they had to complete against the clock.

Judges looked for workmanship, quality, technique and organisational skills, as well as speed.

Skillbuild aims to raise the profile of vocational skills and attract people to the construction industry.

Chairman Peter Rainbird said: "It's a great competition and I think Darlington College is marvellous for supporting it."

The winners of the regional competitions will return to Darlington College of Technology in October for the national final.

Competitors in 15 trades will take part, and the winner of each will represent Great Britain at the World Skills Competition involving 800 young tradesman, to be held at St Gallen, in Switzerland.

Darlington College of Technology apprentice Nick Barrett, 18, came top in the joinery section of the regional heat.

Lee Fawcett, a Darlington College apprentice, of Middleham, North Yorkshire, is in the Swiss final of the joinery section.

He is undergoing six weeks of intensive training in a variety of joinery techniques before competing in Switzerland.