A GROUP of school pupils have been given a builder's-eye view of a new hospital as part of a new youth project.

The small party from Dorcan School was escorted around the site of Swindon's new hospital in Commonhead, due for completion in 2002.

Their trip was the first in a new scheme called Build a Future. It is run by the police and hospital builders Carillion in co-operation with the education authority and the local Employment Service.

Its aims include educating young people about building site safety, careers in construction and building a friendly, trusting relationship with the police.

One of the main organisers, Swindon PC Helen Smith, explained: "We want to help young people improve links with their own community.

"We hope the scheme will increase the young people's belief in themselves and let them know where they can get help as far as moving on after school is concerned. The main thing is to get them to look forward and see that there is a future for them."

Richard Barnes, 14, from Park South, said: "It was brilliant the best part was looking at where all the parts of the hospital are going to be."

It is hoped that further visits will be made by young people from other schools, and that other local firms will be ready to take over from Carillion once the hospital is complete.