Just before leaving for America to collect her latest award, Tanya won two Isambard Brunel Awards and was invited to speak at Brunel 200 celebrations taking place in Bristol UK in July. Her device has already been snapped up by Isle of Wight safety equipment manufacturer SeaSafe Ltd and will be launched into the marketplace this month.

Tanya Budd has also won a scholarship to read engineering at Brunel University.

Returning to the UK following her American triumphs she said, 'This was an awesome occasion, with 1,500 contestants from 47 different countries and all of the US states. I was absolutely stunned to have won this award and nearly cried when I was called to the stage. Apparently it is really unusual for someone from outside the US to be given a Government prize at this event.

'I never dreamed when I entered Young Engineer for Britain last year that it would lead to so much. As if winning that title was not reward enough, my device is now being manufactured, I have a place at university, I've won two Brunel Awards and now, the ISEF Award. I'm so pleased that I have decided to take up engineering for a career. It is so exciting and I feel like I have an amazing opportunity with my life.'

MJInformation No: 21999