A PROMISING young designer with F1 ambitions has won a prestigious scholarship for his engineering potential and prowess.

Graham Healey had to sit an exam and a grilling by a selection panel of university lecturers and industry experts who interviewed him in February.

There, he demonstrated a commitment and talent for design, technology and engineering.

Assessed

His GCSE coursework in design and technology was also assessed for the renowned Arkwright Scholarship, which came with £225 attached.

Graham is a pupil at Hanley Castle High School, near Upton-upon-Severn.

Now he plans to follow Automotive Design, which he hopes, could lead to a career with a Formula 1 racing team.

"At the awards there were loads of other people who wanted to do exactly the same as me, so it looks like I will have more competition to come," he said.

Graham achieved an A* for GCSE design and technology, and is taking Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Product Design for his AS Levels.

"My Dad used to race cars and I used to go along quite a lot - I've always liked them," he said.

The scholarship is sponsored by the Ogden Trust.

Nearly 550 candidates submitted work, but only 166 scholarships were awarded.

Graham, aged 16, will carry the status of Arkwright Scholar to university, and it stands him in good stead to secure useful work experience placements with top companies such as Ford and Rolls Royce.