A BUDDING scientist from Newcastle has been presented with two national awards.

Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah presented 17-year-old Lizzy Mansfield with two prestigious Gold Crest awards from the British Science Association (BSA).

Ms Onwurah, shadow minister for science and innovation, said: “If we are to compete on a world stage, we need to realise all our scientific potential.

“Lizzy’s achievement shows that young women will succeed in science if they are given the right opportunities and environment.”

Lizzy, who is studying physics, chemistry, maths and further maths at Dame Allan’s School in Newcastle, hopes to go on to university to study physics and philosophy.

During the past year she has undertaken two research projects, one with fire safety specialists Draeger and one at Newcastle University to earn her two Gold Crest awards, the highest level in the challenging BSA scheme.

Gold Crest awards are designed to challenge talented students in science, technology, engineering and maths subjects, giving them the opportunity to undertake around 70 hours of applied research.