A Little Lever woman has secured a second chance to become the UK Chemical Industry Young Person of the Year.

Janette Shaw, aged 27, reached the final last year representing the South West of England, but did not win.

She worked for Contract Chemicals Ltd in Gloucester at the time, but has since become Group Management Systems Supervisor for the company in Liverpool.

This year she impressed the North-west judges with her enthusiasm, communication skills and the breadth of her knowledge of the issues affecting the chemical industry.

Janette received a cheque for £250 and a certificate.

She will now go forward to the national final which will be judged in London on June 6 to 8.

The winner will be announced at the CIA Awards dinner at the Hilton Hotel, London on July 10.

Mr Doug Lovatt of Warwick International, who was chairman of the judges, said Janette won a very close competition by the exceptional breadth of knowledge she demonstrated and "her desire to see both change within the industry and to work with people outside the industry to help them understand the industy's value to society and the efforts the industry is making to take the lead in safety and environmental issues."

Ambassador

He added: "I am sure that she will make an excellent ambassador for the industry."

Janette, who went to Masefield County Primary, Little Lever School and North Bolton College, had to deliver a presentation and then be interviewed by the judging panel.

She said later: "Having gained environmental qualifications, people are often surprised that I work in the chemical industry, a viewpoint often based on the 'bad boy' image portrayed in the media.

"The idea of chemical firms having a proactive approach to environmental and safety improvements and a good career path is not well known." Janette Shaw