An annual awards event which recognises school students who show great promise in the fields of engineering, resistant materials and design technology took place earlier this week.

The Oxfordshire High Sheriff Young Engineer Awards took place on June 24 at Abingdon and Witney College.

State schools from across the country were invited to nominate students aged 12-18 across three age categories.

Overall winner Sophie Chan with James Macnamara, High Sheriff of Oxfordshire (left), and Richard Dick, chairman of Lucy Group (right)Overall winner Sophie Chan with James Macnamara, High Sheriff of Oxfordshire (left), and Richard Dick, chairman of Lucy Group (right) (Image: Lucy Group)

The awards were sponsored by Lucy Group and founded by the company's executive chairman, Richard Dick.

He said: "The immense talent and enthusiasm on show this year is truly inspiring and gives me every reason to be optimistic about the future of engineering and manufacturing in the UK.

"These students are not just tomorrow’s apprentices and graduates, they represent a future generation of innovators and leaders."

Prizes included £400 for the winning student in each of the three age categories, and £1,000 for their school.

There were also runner-up prizes in each category, a Team Award and an overall High Sheriff Award.

Mark Vingoe, CEO of The Engineering Trust, who also sponsored the awards, said: "Each year the High Sheriff Young Engineer Awards showcases young people with an intrinsic interest and enthusiasm for Engineering.

"We train hundreds of apprentices each year across the breadth of the engineering and manufacturing sector and the finalists, as well as all those who entered the competition, are the future of our industry."