A NORTH Yorkshire inventor was the winner of the regional heat of the Young Engineers For Britain competition which took place in York.

Matthew Mallalieu, 18, from Whitby College, took the title with his portable power source generator, at the event yesterday at the Yorkshire Air Museum.

More than 500 school children showcased their engineering skills with more than 60 displays.

The event was organised by North Yorkshire Business and Education Partnership.

Other awards were given for best investigative project, most innovative project and most effective engineering solution.

June Windross, partnership adviser at NYBEP, said: "The event was a huge success with more schools taking part than ever before. There was a definite buzz about the place with the primary and secondary students gaining from the interactions from each other.

"The quality of the project work was very high and I hope the students continue with their interest and enthusiasm in engineering."

Updated: 14:21 Friday, July 11, 2003