TWO Runcorn residents are celebrating after landing jobs with the Mersey Gateway project.

Danny Gallagher, of Hallwood Park, and David Glover of Palacefields, have started work with Merseylink after completing the construction consortium's pre-employment training course.

The pair, who enrolled on a six week course in the summer, improved their workplace skills and learnt vital lessons to prepare them for work on a construction project.

They are now a key part of the team building Halton's new bridge and road project.

David has joined as a store man while Danny is a member of the construction team working on the central cofferdam.

Danny's role is varied and involves everything from unloading equipment and fixing crane loads to pumping water out of the cofferdam to keep it dry.

He said: "I'm really enjoying the job so far, every day is different.

“It's great to be working on something so iconic that will be here for a long time to come."

David, who is based at Wigg Island, manages stock and site equipment, making sure that the teams have everything they need.

He said: "I've worked in construction all my life so when I found out about the Mersey Gateway I knew I wanted to work on it.

“I'm glad to have joined the project at this stage, when all the construction is happening. I'm loving every second."

The pre-employment programme was developed by Merseylink and Halton Employment Partnership and is accredited by Halton Council.

So far, 16 people have been recruited to work on the new crossing.

Neil Wilcock, employment and skills coordinator at Merseylink, said: "David and Danny are the latest Halton residents to join us as part of our ongoing commitment to employ local people.

“They both successfully completed our pre-employment construction programme, and, as a result of their dedication and hard work, were offered full-time positions on the project.

“They have settled in really well and are both enjoying their new roles."

Halton Council leader Cllr Rob Polhill and chairman of the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board, said: "Creating employment and skills opportunities for local people has always been an important aim of the Mersey Gateway project.”