THE TOOLS of the trade and the skills to go with them were the subjects of a course run in Bridport.

The sessions in practical skills were run for five unemployed people in Kingston Maurward’s North Mills workshop in the town.

The course covered practical aspects of carpentry, metalwork, wiring and plumbing, finishing with a project designing and making wire strippers and a lamp to take home, with lampshades donated by Lilliputs store in town.

The course was organised by John Lewis, of Transition Town Bridport, and was taught each day by qualified tradesmen who volunteered their time.

One of the trainees, Simon Larkin, said: “It was not just an opportunity to sample the practical side of different occupations but also to hear from the volunteer tradesmen about their real world experience.”

He hopes to take a domestic electrician qualification after taking advice from electrician Malcolm Drew.

James Brown, an unemployed screen-printer looking for a new career, was inspired by the plumbing.

“It was good to get the basics of four trades and I am now looking for apprenticeships or a college course in heating and plumbing,” he said.

Bridport Mayor Maggie Ray presented certificates to the trainees.

The course was supported by Bridport Local Area Skills Training, Bridport Youth Action Trust, West Dorset District Council, the Co-operative Society, Magna Housing, and Mac builders, who supplied timber.