EAGER students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in bricklaying after a kind donation by a builders’ merchant.

Pupils at the Stanway School, in Winstree Road, have already completed modules in carpentry, painting and decorating, but will be moving onto bricklaying in the new term.

The school had set up the vocational course and qualification to teach their students about construction.

Builders’ merchant Collier and Catchpole have donated a cement mixer to give students the opportunity to learn the skills.

Stuart Wilkinson, head of design technology, said 15 students are studying the subjects.

He added: “As part of this course students have to learn about health and safety on building sites, site security, jobs in the industry, identifying risks and completing risk assessments.”