STUDENTS from the Energy Coast University Technical College (UTC) tested out some 'cracking' ideas on how to securely package eggs.

They joined with LLW Repository Ltd and GRAHAM Construction to show that engineering could be fun.

After an initial tour of the LLWR site near Drigg, the Lillyhall students returned to college to work on devising robust packaging for eggs.

They were each allocated specific roles in the construction process, and then the eggs in their secure packages were dropped from a great height, stamped on and hit with bricks to test if they would crack.

The exercise mirrored LLWR’s current Type B packaging programme, which will produce packaging to transport legacy materials by rail to Sellafield from the LLWR site and Magnox Harwell, in Oxfordshire.

Cath Giel, head of public affairs at LLWR, said: “Students really engaged with the exercise, which made it all the more worthwhile. With all the eggs flying about, you might say it was a cracking day.”

Elaine Woodburn, GRAHAM Construction's stakeholder engagement officer, said: “Too few work experience opportunities exist for students, so the partnership of LLWR and GRAHAM Construction was more than happy to help out, and it turned out to be a fantastic day where learning mixed with fun.”