Angmering student is young craftsman of the year

The competition is the only one of its kind in the world to be staged by an agricultural society.

All the entries were designed and made by young people aged 14-21 and their stunning creations were displayed in a special marquee at the show.

Nathan, 17, of Angmering, had seen a need to find a non-electrical way of charging mobile phones and spent six months on the project.

He said: “I have used a Fresnal lens to focus on sunlight. It produces heat through a test tube, which expands and contracts air to turn an engine friction free to charge the phone.

“I feel very proud and privileged to have won this award.”

Nathan, who was introduced to royal visitor the Earl of Wessex at the show, is interested in systems control and hopes to go into aeronautical fields as a career.

His main interest is transport through cars, trains and aeroplanes.

His tutor John McNamara said: “Nathan has come a long way in a year. He has dealt with a very difficult concept well and improved his skill levels enormously.

“It is very rare for someone to be able to handle something which involves materials, mechanics and other concepts in such an outstanding way. We are extremely proud of his achievement.”

Nathan’s entry also won the design and technology section in the annual competition.

This year the competition attracted an unprecedented number of entries – almost 200 – from all over the county.