The final judging was held at the Worcester factory and technology centre of machine tool manufacturer Yamazaki Mazak and saw young people drawn from across the UK, from Scotland to the South West, exhibit and present their projects to a panel of leading industrialists.

Bob Hunt, Chair of the MTA’s Education and Training Committee who also chaired the Judging Panel, said: “Seeing the project ideas and realised products was fantastically encouraging. The class of 2013 is packed full of talent and looks set to give a real shot in the arm to our manufacturing future. We were particularly impressed with the young people who had not only used excellent engineering skills but had also applied themselves to thinking creatively about how to turn their good ideas into great products with a real business potential.”

The TDI Challenge is divided into two categories, one for 14-16 year old students and one for 17-19 year olds. The winner in the 14-16 age group was Dan Sandalls, who won with an ingenious system for keeping plates warm in hospitals and care homes.

The winner in the 17-19 age group was Matthew Hunter with a smartphone charger attached to the hub of a bicycle wheel. As the bicycle is pedalled an electrical charge is generated and fed to the smartphone’s battery.

Dr Damien Cleugh of Yamazaki Mazak said: “We were delighted to host the final judging of the MTA’s TDI Challenge at our Technology Centre. The design and technology ideas showcased during the day were very impressive. At Mazak we are keen to develop young engineering talent and wish all the entrants every success in the future.”