Primary schools are to benefit from free educational materials encouraging children to consider a career in civil engineering.

Schools in Tonbridge, Medway and Maidstone are being given the Key Stage 2-level education packs by Rochester Bridge Trust.

Comprising 12 lesson plans, the books and associated website encourage youngsters to get involved with bridge building, trying out different techniques and thinking about the engineering challenges involved, guided by mascot Langdon the Lion.

Rochester Bridge Trust’s Sue Threader explained: “As well as supporting the provision of bridges along the River Medway and the maintenance of those at Rochester, we also have a commitment to encourage young people to consider civil engineering as a career option.

“These lesson plans – which are ideal for after school clubs – are a way of doing just that, and with the help of Langdon the Lion we feel certain children will enjoy taking a hands-on approach to bridge building.”

The materials were written by Mrs Threader, a qualified civil engineer, with design by Guy Fox, a specialist educational charity.

Langdon, the friendly character who guides children through the activities, is inspired by the lion statues which sit on Rochester Old Bridge. His name is taken from Langdon Manor Farm, one of the original properties bequeathed to the Trust, which dates from 1399.

As part of his surveying duties and to help launch the education materials Langdon recently visited bridges over the River Medway in Maidstone, Rochester and Tonbridge.

Visit http://www.rochesterbridgetrust.org.uk/ for further information about the education packs, Rochester Bridge Trust and Langdon the Lion.