A Wimbledon student has been named UK Young Scientist of the Year for her research into climate change.

Roxanne El-Hady, 18, who attends the RR6 sixth form college joint between Ricards Lodge and Rutlish schools, was given the award for her research into climate change at The Big Bang Fair in the NEC arena in Birmingham.

Her investigation found several instances of rapid climate change over 8,000 years in South Wales.

Miss El-Hady said she was “shocked” to win the Young Scientist of the Year.

She said: “There are so many amazing entrants to the competition.

“I’m delighted that my project looking at climate change was picked by the judges as the winner.

“I’m looking forward to using my year as UK Young Scientist of the Year to encourage more people – especially women – into science and maths.”

More than 200 finalists from across the UK were selected to demonstrate their ideas at the science and engineering fair, and ten were given the opportunity to pitch their projects to judges including astronaut Helen Sharman and space scientist and television presenter Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock.

The annual National Science and Engineering Competition is organised by the British Science Association, and open to pupils aged 11 to 18.

Allison Jerrard, headteacher of Ricards Lodge, said: “I am thrilled for and very proud of Roxanne’s achievement.

“I have no doubt that as we watch her move onward to university and into the work place that she is going to have a big impact on the STEM [science, technology, engineering and maths] industries.

“She really is a successful woman of the future.”