A SPENNYMOOR woman has been named as one of the country’s brightest young engineers after landing a prestigious scholarship.

Anna Jackson was one of just three students to win a postgraduate masters scholarship from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

The 24-year-old, from Parkside, had already received the Frederic Barnes Waldron ‘best student’ award for her first class honours degree, with 88.5 per cent average.

The scholarship will contribute £6,500 towards her masters degree in mechanical engineering at Northumbria University.

She hopes to become a chartered engineer with the IME so is delighted to be further acknowledged by the organisation.

The former Tudhoe Grange School pupil said: “I am really pleased.

“It acknowledges my studies, work placement and future aspirations.”

While studying for her bachelor’s degree Miss Jackson spent a year working at BAE Systems, in Cumbria, and is particularly interested in noise and vibration research.

She said:”I really enjoy the technical side, I’ve always enjoyed maths and problem solving and my parents have inspired me.

“My dad, Raymond, is a plant manager and my mum, Wendy, is a childcare tutor so I was always fascinated by factories and making things and from a young age knew the importance of education.”

Mark Hunt, president of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said: “At a time when the UK is facing a huge skills gap when it comes to young engineers, it’s fantastic to see young people like Anna taking their first steps in the profession.

“Engineers are vitally important to the UK economy.

“They design and develop everything from the cars we drive to the medical equipment used in our hospitals.

“I am confident that Anna will enjoy a successful and exciting career in engineering.”