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Britain's construction industry could soon be hit by a shortage of skilled plumbers and electricians, according to a training provider.

Denis Hird, chief executive of JTL, warned that growth in the construction sector would create higher demand for trained workers over the next three years.

However, unless employers commit to providing more apprenticeships then a major skills gap is likely to develop, he continued.

The Learning and Skills Council has organised National Apprenticeship Week for February 25th to 29th and Mr Hird is keen for businesses to support it.

Earlier in the week, the Olympic Delivery Authority revealed public sector agencies and private contractors will need between 9,000 and 10,000 construction workers in order to build all the facilities needed for London 2012.

THE devastating flooding which hit Hull in June was caused simply by the overwhelming deluge of rainwater, an independent report has concluded. While many areas of Yorkshire were left underwater because rivers were bursting their banks, in Hull the city's drainage system was unable to cope with the sheer volume of water - a month's rain in 24 hours.

The deluge claimed the life of Michael Barnett, 28, who died in the Hessle area of the city as he was apparently trying to clear a storm drain.