TEENAGERS expelled from school have laid the foundations for a successful future - by building an office block and laboratory.

Despite the seven teenagers being aged between 14 to 16-years-old, they developed bricklaying and joinery skills and got to work.

The offices, converted from a disused warehouse at the Biz Industrial Park, off Halliwell Road, Halliwell, will be used by experts to test instruments designed to detect the hospital superbug, MRSA.

And the pupils did everything themselves with just the supervision of their tutor.

Each of the youngsters had been sent to the Pupil Referral Unit after being permanently excluded from their secondary schools for bad behaviour.

The centre was set up two years ago, at the Bizspace Industrial Park, with European funding to train pupils in bricklaying and joinery, as well as teach academic subjects.

Course co-ordinator, Byrom Billington, said: "What they have done is astounding. I am not just saying that - its a real achievement.

"Most of these lads have only been with us since September and the turnaround in them has been amazing.

"One of the pupils would not even come through the door for his interview, but he has now 97 per cent attendance, which is remarkable."

The centre, controlled by the local education authority, was approached by Rhys International, which is based on the same industrial estate, to construct the offices.

Mr Billington added: "All the group had was the shell of a warehouse with nothing in it.

"They built the offices and laboratory. They did everything and had it completed in just a couple of weeks. We were approached by a professional company who wanted a professional job. And I cannot fault the work of the lads at all."

Barry Coyle, director of Rhys International, said: "I had every confidence in the teenagers. They have done an excellent job."

Shane Reed, aged 16 who lives in Tonge Moor, said: "I have been here for four months after being expelled from school for fighting.

"I am proud of what we have achieved. Going in the building trade is something I want to do. At the centre you are treated like adults and I really feel like I have a future."

Josh Jackson, aged 14, said: "If it had not been for this unit, I probably would not be doing anything."