AN engineering student is celebrating after winning a national award.

Scott Dalton, who is studying civil engineering at the University of Brighton, took the Construction, Engineering and Design title at the annual Undergraduate of the Year Awards.

The ceremony took place at London’s Canary Wharf and Mr Dalton was presented with his award by TV journalist and newsreader Fiona Bruce.

His award was sponsored by engineering, construction and asset management company Laing O’Rourke.

The prize is an all-expenses paid international summer work placement on the Motiongate theme park project with Laing O'Rourke in Dubai.

About 500 students at universities across the UK entered for the award, and were asked to complete a series of online tests, application forms, interviews and assessment targets.

Mr Dalton, 25, said: “To make it to the final top 10 was a huge achievement for me personally and to go one step further and win it is an absolute honour.

“The other finalists were all brilliant and had done a huge amount of incredible things in their time before and during university - hence my surprise in winning.

“I have really enjoyed my university course – it has helped me to develop as a person and gain the engineering knowledge to a standard that allows me to feel ready to start work.

“The work experience in Dubai is a fantastic opportunity and I can’t wait to get out there.”