Sparks are set to fly for welding students at Park Lane College Keighley.

They are preparing for the regional final of the Skill Weld 2008 competition next month.

Open to contestants across the UK, the competition is intended for welders aged 16 and above.

It will test the interpretation of technical drawings and instructions, equipment set-up, knowledge and understanding of health and safety issues and welding skills.

Students can win through to the national final to be held in Cambridge in April.

Welding and fabrication technician, Simon Davison, said: "We have some excellent students that we hope will do well."

The top candidate chosen at the final of SkillWeld 2008 will represent the UK at the International World Skills Competition in Canada in 2009.