TWO rivals for the day tested their skills and juggled 'elephant toothpaste', ice towers and Bunsen burners in an apprentice challenge in Barrow.

Jonathan Lee, CN Group development director, and Andrew Wren, principal of Furness College, took part in the Channelside college's annual challenge yesterday to mark the start of National Apprenticeship Week.

The duo were tested on their applied science and problem solving abilities and took part in three activities, with staff and students at Furness College close at hand to guide them.

The challenges involved building an ice tower by reducing the temperature of a solution of water and sodium, making 'elephant toothpaste' by mixing hydrogen peroxide with liquid soap, and identify substances by watching how they change colour under heat.

Mr Wren stepped in to take part in the contest after Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock pulled out and ultimately emerged victorious in yesterday's contest.

However, Mr Lee received a special award to mark his overall victory over the last five years with Mr Woodcock.

Mr Wren said: "It was excellent. It was very enjoyable. I like to speak to the students and relate what we were doing to what they do in the workplace - that's what's rewarding for me.

"I liked the colour changing one because I could take longer my time and it wasn't just pot luck. There was more detail in it and it was more about forensics."

The annual apprentice challenge comes ahead of the launch of National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from next Monday to Friday.

Mr Lee said: "It was a good fun event and really highlights the opportunities in the area.

"It was great to have an insight into what goes on at the college. It's great to see them integrating with the industry in the area, with GSK apprentices attending the challenge."

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