Four Lakes College students are celebrating success after winning the top four places in the SkillWeld 2016 regional heats.

The heats took place at the Lillyhall college's Construction Skills Centre.

SkillWeld is organised by the Science, Engineering, Manufacturing and Technologies Alliance and aims to showcase the best talent in the welding industry.

The students are waiting to find out if they've qualified for the national finals in Birmingham later this year.

Their progression depends on the results from the other heats.

Sam Meagan, 19, of Workington came first, Conor Alexander, 22, of Whitehaven came second, Darius Padidar came third and Conor Greenhow came fourth.

Sam said: "I feel so much more confident after winning first place. Lakes College changed my life, I was 13 when I first started making gates and now I’m entering national welding competitions."

Chris Nattress, principal, said: "I always enjoy attending SkillWeld competitions as you see how far the students have come.

"The standards are always getting better and this year the competition was tough."

The event was sponsored by Air Products, Code A Weld, Lincoln Electric and Thomas Graham who provided welding equipment and protective equipment.