SIXTEEN years-old Ella Kirby has been awarded a scholarship that could lead to her becoming a future leader in the world of engineering and design.

The Tyldesley Fred Longworth High student received the renowned Arkwright Engineering Scholarship and £600 to enhance her ‘A’ level studies. Her school will also receive £400.

Ella, from Astley, successfully completed a rigorous selection process including a two-hour aptitude exam and an interview hosted at a top engineering university. She was chosen after taking part in a hand-on exercise to solve an hands-on engineering problem working with students they had never met before.

A delighted Ella told The Journal: “I would to thank Mr Jackson, my DT teacher, for all his support and for giving up his own time to help me and to Mr Fallows for all his support.”

Her proud parents Bob and Debbie Kirby said|: “Ella worked extremely hard. To be chosen out of 1,500 applicants is fantastic.

“We would also like to thank her teachers Mr Jackson and Mr Fallows for all their help. It’s great to see an enthusiastic pupil being given this support to achieve her goals.

Dr Martin Thomas, National Director of the Arkwright Scholarships Trust, said: “I am delighted to see students from Fred Longworth secure this prestigious accolade. Clearly, there is considerable technical talent in the area.”