The dilapidated steam roller used to be a family attraction in Pudsey Park but was removed in the 1980s because of safety reasons.

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Now BTEC engineering students at Leeds City College's technology campus have taken the first steps to help bring the Pudsey community landmark back to life.

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Engineering lecturer Paul Hogarth originally approached the Road Roller Association, the trust overseeing the restoration, to see if the engineering students could contribute to the project as part of their BTEC studies.

Students have already taken delivery of the first components of the 1921 Fowler steam roller in the south Leeds workshops and have started work creating CAD drawings.

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They will eventually produce parts of the roller as part of their practical tasks for their BTEC qualification.
Paul Hogarth said: "This is an excellent project for students to be involved in.

"Not only are students gaining practical hands-on experience from the restoration, but they are also working to restore one of the community's historical objects."

As the restoration process gathers pace, it is expected that the college may even be able to tender for some of the larger assemblies.

The restoration is likely to take several years to complete and it is hoped that successive years' students will be able to contribute to the project.

Brian Woolhouse, from the Road Roller Association, told Pudsey Today: "We are extremely pleased with the way the support from Leeds City College engineering department is greatly assisting the practical side.

"Paul Hogarth is very keen because it means that he can give the students a genuine project to work on who can then see this is not just an exercise but gives them a sense of involvement in a significant local project."