A HOLMES Chapel student has made it to the final of a national science and engineering competition after wowing at the regional heats.

17-year-old Josh Mitchell, who is in Year 12 at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School Sixth Form, will attend the UK final of The Big Bang Scientists and Engineers Competition in March after impressing dges with his desktop workshop project.

The desktop-sized workshop prints plastics, mills metals and cuts circuitboards by using a combination of a 3D printer and a CNC Mill.

Dave Wheeler, technology teacher from Holmes Chapel School, said: “Having the opportunity to put theory into practice has been great fun and has given Josh an idea of just how interesting a career in engineering could be.

“The project has also helped him to develop technical skills. To be through to the national final is the icing on the cake. Josh can’t wait to show off his project again and hopes to come back from the UK finals in March with an award.”

Josh will go on to join over 200 other project teams from across the UK in the finals, which take place during The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair at the Birmingham NEC, in March.

The Big Bang Competition is an annual contest designed to recognise and reward young people’s achievements in all areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), as well as helping them build skills and confidence in project-based work.

The competition is open to 11 to 18 year olds, and gives participants the chance to compete for top prizes such as international experiences worth over £50,000 and prestigious awards such as UK Young Scientist and UK Young Engineer of the Year.

Paul Jackson, Chief Executive of EngineeringUK, which organises The Competition said: “This year’s entries to The Big Bang Competition highlight how talented the UK’s young scientists and engineers are. It’s easy to see why this project has secured a place at the national finals. We’re now excited about seeing all the finalists come together at The Fair in March, where they will have the chance to impress the judges and inspire other young visitors.”

“Congratulations to Josh and good luck for March.”

n Are you from Holmes Chapel and want to let us know of any success stories, or important issues going on the village? Contact us via email at ned.bristow@nqnw.co.uk or call Ned on 01606 813623.

For all of the latest news in your area visit knutsfordguardian.co.uk or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/knutsfordguardiannews