YOUNG designers are being set an ambitious challenge to create the Eighth Wonder of the World.

The Enterprise in Construction Challenge has thrown down the gauntlet to schools across County Durham which have been given a construction brief.

Forty-three teams have responded, including four groups from last year's winning school, St John's, in Bishop Auckland.

The competition was started in 2001 by Newton Aycliffe construction company MMP to make youngsters more aware of the opportunities in the construction industry.

The competition, which is supported by the Construction Industry Training Board and Aimhigher County Durham, is nationally recognised for its success in communicating directly with potential recruits to the industry. Challenges now also run in Darlington, Gateshead and Tees Valley.

Michael O'Connell, chairman of the MMP Group, said: "Before entering this challenge, many students have admitted that they would never have even considered a career in construction.

"But after participating and learning more about the industry and the vast range of careers available, it becomes an option that they would consider, which is a great tribute to the competition.

"It will be really interesting for us to see the concepts developed by the teams for the Eighth Wonder, especially if you consider how much more technology they have at their disposal than the ancient architects."