Midlothian Council has hailed a recent civil engineering schools project as a success.

Over 500 pupils from 12 schools in the region worked together over the last two weeks to build mini versions of the new Forth Road Bridge.

After being given the chance to walk across the structure, the pupils then dismantled the miniature bridge at the National Mining Museum Scotland in Newtongrange.

Council Leader Catherine Johnstone said it is hoped the project would inspire a new generation of civil engineers.

"With the opening of the Borders Railway, we believe much of the future economic prosperity the line will bring will create jobs in the construction industry, including engineers," she said.

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"Well done again to all the agencies involved, from Midlothian Council to the Bonnyrigg-based Civil Engineering and Road Surfacing contractor Crummock and the Institution of Civil Engineers, for working together to make these sessions happen."

Sara Thiam, Regional Director ICE Scotland, said: "Our Bridges to Schools programme gives pupils an early insight into the industry while having some fun along the way. The need to inform young people about a career in the industry is ever more important as the numbers of young people entering the profession are in decline just at a time when we are emerging from recession and the people who design, build and maintain Scotland's infrastructure are in demand."

The bridge was supplied by the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) through ICE while volunteers from Tarmac, Arup, Ws Atkins and Herriot Watt University also took part in the scheme.

(LM/CD)