AN engineer from Sedgefield has been made a fellow of the world's leading engineering institution.

Paul Elwell has been granted a Fellowship of the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Mr Elwell was presented with his certificate by institution president Adrian Long at the professional body's headquarters in Westminster, London. Fellowship is the highest award granted to members of the institution, and is bestowed on those who have exceptional leadership skills, technical ability, or who have excelled academically.

Fellowship allows members to use the letters FICE after their name.