A COLWYN Bay student has been recognised for her outstanding invention, inspired by her nan, at the 2018 WJEC Innovation Awards ceremony at the Senedd.

Ysgol Eirias pupil Zoe Hughes, won the Intellectual Property prize for her disability aid.

The Intellectual Property award is given to the innovation which would be most likely to be awarded an official certificate from the Intellectual Property Office.

The Innovation Awards, in partnership with the Welsh Government, recognises the most original project work by WJEC students studying Design and Technology, with awards for GCSE, AS level and A level work.

The 18-year-old was inspired to design a gardening tool for people with arthritis by her nan, who has suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for 40 years.

She said: “This was a very personal project for me. It’s been quite hard watching my nan struggle with her arthritis, so when we got the brief to create a disability aid I decided to do something which could help her. My nan is really passionate about gardening, but it’s something she really struggles with.

“There are quite a few tools for people with arthritis to use inside, but when I started to research I realised there weren’t really any for outside use. I spoke to my nan to find out what she struggles with and created an aid which can be used with the gardening tools she uses most often.

“The lightweight design works to distribute the weight of tools more evenly, and a soft handle makes gripping easier and more comfortable. Because this project is so personal, it’s even more amazing to win this award.I really didn’t expect to be shortlisted, let alone win, so I’m really proud. This is an early prototype, but I hope one day to develop it further so my nan can use it in her day-to-day life.”

2018 marks the 20th anniversary of the Innovation Awards, which launched in 1998 to celebrate the best in Welsh design and encourage young people to think outside the box and become more technologically innovative.

Students, parents and teachers attended the awards ceremony at the Senedd to see the creations, speak with the winners about their projects and celebrate the success of those shortlisted. Creations included hobbit houses for hedgehogs, a prosthetic arm for use in kite surfing, a study desk designed for ultimate space optimisation and a ‘Festival Friend’ camping security device.

Alongside their award, each winner received a certificate and prizes including up to £250 for the individual and £150 for their school or college.

WJEC chief executive, Roderic Gillespie, said: “This was my first Innovation Awards as chief executive of WJEC, and I was incredibly impressed with the standard of the entries.“The young inventors who enter this competition have a unique ability to channel their creativity into solving practical challenges in new and inventive ways. This is a skill which is not only beneficial to society now but also will also help solve the new problems we face as we continue into the future. With these skills becoming increasingly vital, we think it’s important to showcase and celebrate the work of young people in Wales.

“The level of commitment which goes into these projects, and the quality of the work produced as a result, is outstanding. I’m sure this are just the first of many exciting ideas to come from Zoe and we look forward to seeing where her studies take her next.”

The Innovation Awards is an annual competition partly funded by the Welsh Government’s Department for the Economy and Infrastructure. The awards ceremony was hosted by Kirsty Williams, Cabinet Secretary for Education.

She said: “A huge congratulations to Zoe and all the contenders for their amazing inventions. Wales has a great history of inventors and is home to a number of ground-breaking inventions, including the microphone! And it’s wonderful to see our young people following in their footsteps.

“Occasions like this really highlight the wealth of talent we have in Wales and I’m honoured to be invited to host this ceremony. Our National Mission commits to ensuring learners reach their potential and working on projects like this enable them to fully exercise their creative skills; crucial to their success in education and work.”

For further information about the competition visit www.wjec.co.uk or contact elin.dimmick@wjec.co.uk or jonathan.thomas@wjec.co.uk.