Pupils became craftsmen to create a wooden workbench for a community workshop.

The youngsters, from Langbaurgh and Keldholme schools, Middlesbrough, created the redwood bench with the help of tutor Ian Coning.

The schools operate an alternative curriculum, giving students access to vocational courses such as woodwork.

Yesterday, the students, - Waris Khan, Mathew Jackson, Christopher Thompson, Tony Mendum and Craig Hall - joined Councillor John Jones, Middlesbrough Borough Council's commissioner for regeneration, to donate the bench to the community workshop at Southlands Leisure Centre.

Sue Auton, work-related curriculum co-ordinator at Langbaurgh School, said: "We've donated the workbench to the community work-shop to thank the Southlands Centre and Middlesbrough Council for the hospitality they've offered us.