In a competition part sponsored by the Royal Society of Chemistry a 24-year-old North-Eastern woman has won a prestigious chemistry-related title.

Leanne Hart, a 24-year-old process engineer from Hartlepool, became the chemical industry's new Young Ambassador last night. She was awarded with a trophy at the Chemical Industries Association's Awards Dinner in Manchester, hosted by BBC News Presenter, Peter Sissons. 

Leanne, who works for AMEC, an international project management and services company based in Darlington, won the North East England heat of the competition and then went on to wow judges in May's final judging session. 

As well as the trophy, Leanne also won a cash prize and an educational trip abroad to a country of her choice. She will now be expected to represent the chemical industry for the next year and will receive invitations to participate in a number of prestigious events with access to top-level decision makers and opinion-formers in the chemical industry and beyond.

Leanne is eager to act as an ambassador for the chemical industry: "As well as the personal achievement I feel this has given me, this award will give me the chance to show people the massive opportunities available in the chemical industry which are far too often overlooked.  I will be proud to represent an industry that can offer so much to so many," she says.

Organised by the Chemical Industries Association and sponsored by Society of Chemical Industry, the Royal Society of Chemistry and the British Chemical Engineering Contractors Association, the award is a real chemical industry honour. 

Judith Hackitt, Director General of CIA, highlights its importance: "The award is a effective way of showing the public, in very human terms, how vital the chemical industry is. It is extremely encouraging to see committed young people, like Leanne, from all over the UK talk passionately about their job."

She continues, "In winning this award, she will now be able to reap the rewards of her hard work. The chemical industry works closely with young people to ensure that the industry they inherit will be both sustainable and competitive."