A BRICK company from near York has taken part in a drive to boost the number of budding brickies in Yorkshire.

York Handmade Brick Company, based at Alne near Easingwold and the largest independent brickmaker in the north of England, teamed up with the Brick Development Association (BDA) at the #LOVEBRICK roadshow at York College.

The BDA is working with the Association of Brickwork Contractors to drive the study of bricklaying forward and increase the number of skilled bricklayers in the construction industry.

Mark Laksevics of York Handmade said it helped to demonstrate the art of brick-making and laying to students and answer their questions.

“Unfortunately, the number of skilled bricklayers in the UK is at an all-time low, following the credit crisis in 2008 and the downturn in the construction industry," he said.

"Now the industry is in a phase of recovery and growth, the need for more apprenticeship schemes is essential to avoid a fall in output.

“This initiative, supported with funding from the Construction Skills Training Board (CITB), aims to raise the awareness and knowledge of brickwork and the important contribution it makes to the Built Environment."

York College was one of 10 colleges participating nationwide in #LOVEBRICK.