PUPILS at Ysgol y Bedol had the opportunity to test their construction skills as they built a 14-metre replica of the Second Severn Crossing.

More than 90 pupils worked to complete the structure which they then tested by walking across it.

The event, one of a number being held across the country, helped celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) in Wales.

The ICE Wales Cymru worked with TRJ Construction to help organise the afternoon.

As well as the Yvonne Murphy, vice chair of the ICE Wales Cymru, the pupils were joined by Joyce Watson, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales, and Carmarthenshire County Councillor Kevin Madge.

Mrs Watson, who chairs the Assembly’s construction industry cross-party group, said: “I enjoyed meeting staff and pupils at Ysgol y Bedol and working on the project with these talented youngsters.

“The construction industry offers real opportunities for young men and women, so it is important that these pupils have had an early taste of it.

“The activity was educational, as well as being fun.

“Pupils used simple methods to construct a substantial structure, they learnt about Health and Safety issues and they developed their team building skills.”

Councillor Madge, representative of the Garnant ward, added: “I would like to thank Joyce for giving her time to attend this wonderful event at the school, thanks also to TRJ construction and ICE Wales Cymru.

“Hopefully one day some of the pupils will build new bridges all over the country because of the experience and skills they learned today.”

More than 90 pupils aged nine and 10 year worked together to construct the model cable-stayed bridge from plywood and aluminium sections.

The Year 5 and 6 children wore PPE (personal protective equipment) including hard hats, gloves, goggles and high-vis jackets to build and cross the bridge.

Yvonne Murphy, Vice Chair of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) in Wales attended to speak to the children and help build the bridge.

The event was organised by TRJ Construction, in conjunction with ICE Wales Cymru.

2018 is ICE’s 200th anniversary and ICE is the oldest professional engineering institution in the world.

Keith Jones, ICE Wales Cymru Director said: “As part of our 200th anniversary celebrations, we are making a special effort this year to highlight the way that civil engineers help shape the world around us, and to promote civil engineering as a career option to young people.

“Our Bridges to Schools activity, which is a 14m replica of the Second Severn Crossing, is enormously popular with schoolchildren and gives them an opportunity to work on a civil engineering project of their own

“Well done to all the children who took part.”