TRAINEE electricians have been given a chance to finish their course after they were told by Darlington College to look elsewhere.

After hearing that 15 students were told that the final stage of their night course would not run, Hartlepool and Redcar colleges both offered to run it.

The students chose Hartlepool College and will begin their studies in September.

That means that they will be able to complete the qualification and become certified electricians, something that student Iain Readman said looked unlikely two weeks ago.

He said: "All the lads are just so relieved.

"Both colleges straight away turned around and said yes, we can do that for you', despite the fact they weren't running a night course in the first place. They couldn't have been more helpful."

After Darlington College announced that the course would not run, the students set up a petition and approached local MP Alan Milburn to see if he could help.

They also wrote to other colleges in the North-East in an attempt to resolve the situation.

Mr Readman said: "We had to rally round and make sure the lads didn't get despondent, but we got there in the end."

Michael Bretherick, viceprincipal of Hartlepool College, said the college was looking forward to welcoming the students.

He said: "These students have been proactive throughout and have handled themselves very well.

"At Hartlepool College we have a significant electrical and engineering division, and are therefore able to be more responsive than some colleges when it comes to situations like this.

"The course is already creating interest from within Hartlepool as well."

Darlington College insisted that it had no option but to cancel the course because it was not viable.

Principal Sarah Robinson cited poor retention rates, which show how many students fail to complete a course. Compared to the average of 89 per cent, the Level 3 Electrotechnology course had a retention rate of only 51 per cent.

Mr Readman said he hoped lessons had been learned from the dispute.