PUPILS from a Droitwich school have put down their pens and picked up some trowels as part of a scheme to encourage more youngsters to become builders.

The Droitwich High School pupils, mostly aged 15, will take part in regular training sessions on building sites to gain hands-on experience of building and maintenance work.

The Skills4Life scheme has been launched in Droitwich to introduce pupils to a trade and also to try to address a skills shortage.

It is being operated by Spa Housing Association, part of the Festival Housing Group, together with the school.

Association director Clare Huyton said: "This is the first time we have run such a project - it is an exciting initiative which has a range of benefits as it will also help to develop our managers who are involved. It should provide a valuable bridge between school and work.

"If it is successful we will roll it out to other areas throughout Worcestershire and Herefordshire."