GIRLS from two Huddersfield schools have been finding out about the world of engineering.

The idea - called Wise - is part of efforts to encourage more women into the industry.

Eight pupils from Newsome High School and King James's School, Almondbury, took part in a three-day programme called Wise Outlook at Huddersfield Technical College.

The programme was held to show the range of careers available to women in the engineering industry.

The girls worked on projects in the college engineering department and visited Holset Turbochargers at Turnbridge.

They also met Dr Rihanna Ishaq, of Sheffield Hallam University, to find out about careers in engineering for women.

Wise Outlook is aimed at giving 14 and 15-year-old girls practical experience of engineering project work.

Wise - which stands for Women Into Science and Engineering - is spearheaded by the Engineering Council.

Anna Vaziri, lecturer in electrical and electronic engineering at the college, said: "The number of women of all ages - including school-leavers, adult employees and returners to work - entering intermediate level engineering employment is low compared to male counterparts.

"Special action is needed to encourage women to enter engineering and to improve their skills to world-class standards.

"Initiatives such as this Wise programme play a vital role in encouraging a wider range of people to consider engineering as a career," she added.