Last updated 16:03, Friday, 25 July 2008

TWO of West Cumbria’s top engineering students have been recognised at an awards ceremony at Lakes College.

Back to school: David Williamson, Chairman of IMechE West Cumbria, Dr Colin Brown the IMechE's Engineering Director and the two award winners: Henry Wright from Maryport and Matthew Burgin from Workington

Henry Wright, 36, of The Beeches, Maryport, and Matthew Burgin, 22 of Bolton Street, Workington, were winners at the Lakes College Academic Achievement Awards.

Henry, who won best higher mechanical student, has been a member of the Royal Navy since the age of 16 and chose an HNC qualification in process and operations to prepare him for life after leaving the Navy.

He said: “I haven’t been in school for 18 years so winning this award has made me feel quite proud of myself.

“I’ve never won anything before and I think it’s quite an achievement.

“It was a daunting thought at first but I wanted to take the course so I would have an engineering qualification when I retired.”

Henry, who is an electrician in the Navy, studied while working and said it was the best decision he could have made to set himself up for the future.

“I enjoyed my course and I hope to continue on to study a HND or even a degree at some point.”

Matthew, who was recognised for his academic achievements, works for Corus where he has been a mechanical fitter for almost three years.

He won the best national certificate in mechanical at the ceremony.

He said: “I was really shocked to find out I had been given the award and, at first, I thought it was just something small for the work I had done on my course. But it wasn’t until nearer the time I realised I had been given a top award from Lakes College.”

Talking about the awards ceremony, Matthew, said: “I was a really nice night with the meal and awards presentation and everyone was there in suits and ties.

“I got the chance to have a good talk with Henry Wright about his award and what his course involved but I had to leave early because I was at work the next day!”

Matthew, who is currently studying an HND in mechanical process engineering, said he would like to go on to study a degree or train further in engineering in the future.