Libyan offshore workers are undertaking an intensive health and safety training programme - and gaining a large slice of Teesside hospitality in the process.

The six delegates, all employed by Italian oil producer AGIP, have been placed for 20 weeks under the protective wing of Nutec Centre for Safety, the Teesside safety and survival specialists.

The programme, designed by Nutec and delivered in most part at its Billingham training complex, also involves training provided by specialised companies as far afield as Aberdeen and Cambridge, as well as the US.

The training is designed to give the men, all employed on a drilling platform off the Libyan coast, a comprehensive knowledge of health and safety issues, and skill level in their practical application, covering work on an offshore platform, travelling to and from a platform, use of equipment, and handling potentially dangerous substances associated with their work.

The programme, which also covers fire awareness and control, medical aid, means of escape and evacuation, sea survival, crowd and crisis control, and general health and safety, will continue until early next month.

Nutec's Kevin Rafferty chaperoned the students during the early part of their stay, helping them to find accommodation in Middlesbrough and adapt to the new surroundings.

He said: "The safety training programme is a reflection of AGIP's commitment to ensuring offshore staff gain the necessary training to maintain their high health and safety standards.

"Obviously, when people find themselves living and working in an unfamiliar society, we take special steps to meet their personal needs - for instance, giving them time away from the training in recognition of their religious beliefs."