Stewart's Melville school in Edinburgh has been crowned the Edinburgh and Lothian Schools Construction Challenge champion for 2009.

The team of ten S2 pupils, aged between 13 and 14, from Stewart’s Melville beat off competition from 29 other schools across the region to scoop the title after a series of challenges including building a garden shed and a taking part in a property development exercise, and walked away with gift vouchers plus a cheque for £300 for their school.

North Berwick High School, East Lothian and Lasswade High School, Midlothian came second and third respectively.

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Teachers and lecturers from each of the schools and further education institutions involved were on hand at the event in the Corn Exchange, Edinburgh, to see the future construction stars pick up their award.

The final also supported the launch of Construction Showcase, an initiative which aims to provide a new lease of life to the hugely successful National Construction Week (NCW) by giving employers more opportunities to showcase their talent and link with schools and further education establishments.

Stephen Sheridan, of ConstructionSkills said: "Congratulations to Stewart’s Melville of course to both North Berwick and Lasswade. They have performed consistently well throughout the heats leading up to this final and also on the day itself.

"It’s a big day for Stewart’s Melville but also for ConstructionSkills as we officially launch the National Construction Showcase which we hope will become a valuable tool for businesses in Scotland to showcase the careers and opportunities that are available in the construction and engineering industry."

(CD/JM)