A LEADING housebuilder has invested in the area's future construction talent by donating course books to a local college.

Barratt Homes Yorkshire West has handed over £250 worth of educational books to Keighley College for its Bricklaying and Joinery students to use.

The company made the donation as part of its commitment to ensuring the future of construction industry, particularly in the communities in which it builds.

Darren Johnson, Construction Director at Barratt Developments Yorkshire West, said: "We’re keen to encourage more young people into construction, which can be a very longstanding and rewarding career.

"With Keighley College so close to our development Vision in the town, we wanted to support the students in Keighley by donating these books, for them to have easy access to help with their studies.

He added: "We hope these kind of donations will help address the wider skills shortage currently faced by the industry, and we look forward to hearing the success stories from the College."