A TEENAGER from Kendal received a special award for helping to inspire the next generation of Cumbria’s science and technology leaders in a global competition.

Tristan Donato, of Sedgwick, celebrated his 16th birthday by giving up his time to volunteer to help organisers of the FIRST LEGO League competition.

Tristan was a judge for the regional finals which took place in Barrow, Carlisle and Workington, with the winners from each of five regional finals going on to the UK finals in Bristol later this month with the chance to reach the world finals in the USA.

C-STEM director Fran Ward, who helps organise the FIRST LEGO League in Cumbria, paid tribute to Tristan’s dedication in inspiring the next generation of problem solvers.

He said: “Tristan is a massive help to the staging of the competition in Cumbria. And we wanted to recognise that by making a presentation to him at the end of the regional finals. He helps build the tables for the robot challenge. He can assemble them in half the time that even two people can do. He’s also a great judge for the competition as his knowledge of the rules is encyclopedic.”

Tristan said: “I make sure everyone understands the rules and give the competitors advice on what they can and can’t do. I really enjoy being involved and helping out.”

Pete Woolaghan, co-founder of REACT Engineering and the charitable REACT Foundation, says inspiring more people to get involved from the Kendal and Lakes area is the final piece of the Cumbria jigsaw.

He said: “Through a TeamCumbria approach we are creating a community of like-minded individuals in businesses and organisations across Cumbria who are looking outwards from the county and doing great things.

"This is what Cumbria should be doing more of - giving our amazing young people the opportunity to shine on the national and international stage."

To find out more about FIRST LEGO League visit www.firstlegoleague.org. To discuss how your school or business can get involved email fran@cstem.uk