A BRIDPORT student has become the first person to be awarded a scholarship on a civil engineering programme.

Walter Goodwin scooped the award - worth £1,000 a year for up to four years while studying at university - from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) QUEST Colyton Grammar School scholarship.

Funding for the Scholarship is being provided by ICE Members with a particular interest in this School. It will reward individuals who can show leadership potential, an aptitude for teamwork, commitment to a career in civil engineering, initiative and academic ability.

ICE Fellow David Butler from Devon has been helping to establish the Scholarship for students at the School to enhance the link between the School and the Institution.

Walter said: “What draws me to civil engineering is its scope. Creating something new opens an infinite field of unexplored possibility and with the world changing as quickly as it is today, civil engineering is becoming even more fascinating.

“It is a brilliant paradox that civil engineering is one of the world's oldest professions, and yet also one of the most dynamic and ever-changing. For thousands of years, civil engineering has been driving human development.”

Regional Director, Trish Johnson, was on the judging panel for the awards. She said: “QUEST Scholarships are awarded to those achieving and striving for the highest standards. Walter Goodwin has shown a great enthusiasm for engineering and will use the Scholarship to aid him in his studies."