A STUDENT from Ely is top of the class after winning a place in the finals of the National Science + Engineering Competition.

Tony Lesmeister impressed the judges of the competition with his research into the relationship between conductivity and grade of pencil lead.

He will now go head to head with students from across the country in an attempt to claim one of the UK’s most prestigious science and engineering honours for young people.

Tony’s shortlisted entry will be presented to more than 60,000 people at The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair held at ExCeL Arena, in London, in March.

The judging panel includes TV science star Professor Brian Cox, celebrated space scientist Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Nobel Prize-winning biochemist Sir Tim Hunt, and mathematician and Countdown co-host Rachel Riley, among others.

Tony, 17, who studies at King’s Ely, said, “I am very privileged to have made it to the finals of this year’s National Science + Engineering Competition - all the entries are unique, exhilarating and I am truly honoured to play a part at the event.

“I hope I will be able to showcase how I approached my project from a different angle successfully and, simultaneously, learn and be inspired by what other competitors have created!”

Sir Roland Jackson, chief executive of the British Science Association, said: “”We’re delighted to see Tony get through to the national finals and wish him the best of luck when the judging panel make their decision at The Big Bang Fair in London. His project has captured our imagination and we hope it spurs others on to enter next year’s competition.”

To find out more about the National Science + Engineering Competition and to book your place at The Big Bang Fair, visit www.thebigbangfair.co.uk.