A talented youngster from Monmouth has been recognised for his outstanding idea at the 2017 WJEC Innovation Awards ceremony at the Senedd.

Working in conjunction with Welsh Government, the Innovation Awards is a prestigious competition designed to encourage young people in Wales to be technologically innovative and appreciate the importance of design and technology.

The awards ceremony recognises the most original project work by students studying Design and Technology, with awards for GCSE, AS level and A level work.

Kyle Williams from Monmouth School won the AS level prize for his public bike lock, which allows members of the public to secure their bikes without having to carry their own bike lock using a one pound coin.

He said: “My inspiration came from cycling trips I used to take with my dad when I was younger, and one of my best friends now who is really into BMX. He finds it a huge inconvenience carrying a heavy lock around, but bike theft is such a problem he can’t risk going without it.

“My public bike lock is designed to fit to existing Sheffield-style public bike stands, so it has the potential to be adopted by councils across the country. It’s static, so cyclists wouldn’t need to carry their own bike lock, and the idea is not-for-profit making it affordable for everyone to use. It took around eight weeks of lessons and three Saturday mornings to create my prototype by hand.

“It hasn’t fully sunk in yet that I’ve won, I’m really proud that all my hard work has paid off. I love designing things and I’m hoping to study mechanical engineering at university so this is just the beginning for me.”

Students, teachers and parents from schools and colleges from around the country gathered at the Senedd to see an interactive showcase of the projects and celebrate the success of talented young innovators and entrepreneurs in Wales whose creations were exhibited.

Some of the most inventive creations included a specially-designed walker with built-in seat inspired by a classmate with cerebral palsy, a prosthetic arm for disabled netball players and a multi-purpose table which converts into a shelving unit. Alongside their awards, the individual winners, schools and education centres were presented with a certificate recognising their achievements and prizes including up to £250 for the individual and £150 for their centre.

As part of the selection process, the work of 80 young inventors was presented to the judges at public exhibitions at locations across Wales.