SKILLED students from York College have been putting their new found talents to the test.

Students were given a unique insight into a career in the heritage sector by participating in a free day-long event at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.

Students and members of the public gained a taste of what skills are needed to work as a craftsperson and the skills that are required for a career in the built heritage sector with a series of workshops.

These highlighted a range of traditional building skills and techniques employed in the conservation, repair, maintenance and restoration of historic buildings.

Demonstrations on the day included the use of traditional lime plaster and mortars, stone masonry including letter-cutting, lead roofing and specialist decorative techniques.

Simon Holmes, heritage training advisor from one of the event organisers, ConstructionSkills, said: "It was a pleasure to have the students with us for the day and they gained further insight into what it is like to work in the heritage sector.

"The heritage sector needs trained craftspeople to ensure the long-term preservation of our buildings and it is vitally important that students who are interested in working in construction are also aware of the career opportunities that exist in this sector as well as new build."

Meanwhile, York College bricklaying student Darren Alanson took the top two prizes at the Guild of Bricklayers regional brickwork competition, held at Calderdale College, Halifax.

Darren competed against other colleges from the Yorkshire region in the competition winning first prize in both the senior section and for the highest points scored in the competition.

Work-based learning student Darren, 19, from Malton, is currently working towards his NVQ Level 3 in bricklaying at York College, and plans to set up his own building and joinery business in the near future.

Darren said: "I am really pleased that I took part in the competition. I had a great day and I am proud of the work I produced."

Bricklaying tutor Harpal Sambhi said: "Darren worked really hard in preparation for the competition, and his success is a great achievement for both Darren, and the brickwork team at the college. We wish him every success in the future."

Darren will go on to represent Yorkshire at the national round of the competition, to be held in Blackpool, as well as representing York College at the regional Skillbuild competition, in Huddersfield, the nationwide competition for people training within the construction industry.