YOUNG engineers at St Helens College turned the tables on Father Christmas by presenting him with a hand-crafted sleigh.

Engineering students have spent the past few months carefully creating a new sleigh commissioned by Prescot Rotary Club.

The sleigh will hit the streets collecting donations for charity on Sunday (Dec 8) starting in Knowsley Village.

Fabrication and welding students who enrolled on the NVQ Level 2 course in September began work on the project six weeks ago reading drawings, fabricating shapes and welding. They were assisted by Level 3 day release students and Level 1 and 2 Diploma motor body students who painted the sleigh.

Student Luke Baker said: “I enjoyed working on the project as I felt like I was giving something back to the community. The project has helped me with my course; I’ve learnt new skills and feel more confident.”

Gemma Hyland, another fabrication and welding student, said, “Working on the sleigh helped me to overcome my shyness when working with other people – it’s really helped me learn how to work as a team.”

Impressed lecturer Jim Clarke praised the students: “The project has been really worthwhile and has given the students valuable experience of working in a realistic working environment. The whole group have responded well, they’ve done a remarkable job.”

For details about courses in engineering call 0800 99 66 99 or visit www.sthelens.ac.uk