AN A-level student from Malmesbury School has fought off stiff competition to win a university scholarship from the James Dyson Foundation.

The scholarship is awarded every year to one A-level student at Malmesbury School who intends to study science, technology, engineering, product design or maths at university.

This year the £36,000 scholarship was awarded to 18-year-old Adrien Fauvarque who has applied to study mechanical engineering at several top UK universities.

Mr Fauvarque said: “I’m very excited to have won the James Dyson Foundation scholarship – it means that I’ll be able to focus on my studies, without the distraction of financial worries.

“After graduation, I want to be an engineer. I don’t know exactly what type yet, but I know I want to have a job where I get to work on useful things that will help people.”

Students applying for the scholarship were asked to explain what inspired them about their chosen degree, as well as writing 300 words about their favourite invention. Adrien wrote about Leonardo da Vinci’s self-propelled cart.

Four students were then shortlisted and interviewed by the James Dyson Foundation and a Dyson engineer.

James Dyson said: “Adrien is a clever man with an evident passion for his chosen degree. The list of engineering competitions and events he has entered in his own time is impressive.

“I have no doubt that he will do exceptionally well at university, putting his theoretical abilities in maths and physics to practical use.”