Four local students have been lauded at a Stormont reception, hosted by ConstructionSkills in NI, for achieving top GCSE marks in built environment courses - with girls leading the way, by taking the best grades.

Caoimhe McReynolds from Catherine's College in Armagh achieved joint first place in GCSE Resistant Materials alongside Merlyn Hughes from Newtonhamilton High.

Laura McKeever, St Catherine's College, Armagh achieved second place in GCSE Resistant Materials and Jonathon Heaney, Cambridge House, Ballymena gained first place in GCSE Construction.

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The students all received bursaries, sponsored by ConstructionSkills in Northern Ireland, which were presented to them by Alliance party leader David Ford at Stormont.

Recruitment and Careers Manager, ConstructionSkills in NI, Catherine McGeady said: "Construction is not just a job. It is a really vital and rewarding career that leaves a lasting legacy for communities and future generations.

"The current economic slowdown must not be allowed to damage the skills pool for future years. During these difficult times, we need to invest in training more than ever before so that we are ready for the upturn to our industry when it comes.

"It is even better that on this occasion two female students have excelled in this non traditional subject area, women are playing an ever increasing role in the industry and we see a diverse workforce as a positive outcome," she added.

(PR/JM)