Engineer wins Welsh achievement award

Posted 16 March 2015

First year engineering student, Richard Davies, has won the Young Person category of the St David Awards in recognition of a project that improves visibility when reversing large vehicles.

18-year-old Richard devised the wireless camera during his Product Design A-Level study, and was named one of the winners of the awards, devised by the Welsh Government, last week.

Richard, who studies Meng Agricultural Engineering, said: “I can't believe that I won the award, it was totally unexpected; I still really can’t believe how well the project has done.

 “I felt a bit overwhelmed when it was announced at the ceremony and hadn't prepared a speech!

“But it will prove a great addition to my CV, as it’s great to be recognised for my hard work.”

Richard found inspiration for the project whilst helping to run the family contracting business in Bausley, Montgomeryshire, when he noticed that it was difficult to reverse large vehicles.

He designed a completely wireless camera, which works alongside any Smart device that helps drivers to manoeuvre vehicles whilst reversing.

What originally began as something for farm machinery, has since been developed for use with caravans and the wider market.

The annual St David Awards recognise and celebrate the exceptional achievements of people in Wales. They acknowledge people who are making a real difference for the country – either home or abroad.

The Young Person category of the awards is given to an exceptional inspirational young person up to 19 years of age in any field in Wales.

Richard, a former Llanfyllin High School student, received his award at a special ceremony held last week at the Senedd in Cardiff.

For more information about Richard, visit here.