A STUDENT has proved he is a whizz kid after winning a prize for his eco-friendly design.

Matthew Richards from Eaglescliffe, Teesside, invented a way to reduce noise in the cooling fans of built-in cookers - while cutting their energy consumption.

His work won a runner-up award in the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF) Northern Award for Contribution to Business.

Matthew spent a year onwork placement with Electrolux in Spennymoor, in County Durham.

Alan Hall, director of EEF Northern, who presented Matthew with his award, said: "Matthew has made a real contribution to Electrolux with his thoughtful and well-researched project."

First prize went to Richard Hilton, a former pupil of King Edward VI School, Morpeth.