YOUNG builders will be picking up tips from the experts when Avoncroft Museum plays host to a week of events.

More than 700 pupils from schools and colleges all over Worcestershire and Herefordshire will be having a try at laying bricks, putting in plumbing and working with wood for National Construction Week, which runs from today (Wednesday) to Thursday, October 14.

It's the fifth year the event has been held at Avoncroft and project organiser Phil Eves said it was growing in popularity.

"We've got a marquee in one field and Guesten Hall has been prepared for all the youngsters," he said. "It's all hands-on and we encourage them to have a go at anything. We have the experts from colleges but there's no actual teaching. It's an opportunity to learn something by having a try."

There will be a chance to build a house in 20 minutes, try out some wattle and daub and build a tower out of pasta.

And there's also a serious safety message for children aimed at discouraging them from playing on building sites. Children from Sidemoor and Meadows first schools in Bromsgrove will be alerted to the dangers in preparation for the start of new PFI work. Finstall and Millfields first schools will also be taking part, along with South Bromsgrove High School.