AN engineer at Aberystwyth’s Vale of Rheidol Railway has scooped a top award after being named outstanding student of the year by Newport Port Talbot College.

Ifan Burrell became one of the railway’s first apprentices in 2013 and attended NPTC at its Newtown campus alongside doing practical work at the railway.

He became a full-time member of staff after completing his Level 3 framework in mechanical engineering and said he had learnt a lot on both his course and during his work with the railway.

Ifan said: “When I started, I had limited experience in lathe turning and milling.

“Being a mechanical engineering app­rentice with pathways training and att­ending the college in Newtown has enabled me to achieve the formal qualifications I needed for my apprenticeship.

“One of my earlier jobs was a project to make a sun roof for both of our engines which would slide open and closed.

“I derived a great deal of satisfaction from working on this project, which was a huge step towards keeping the engine better ventilated in the hot weather; to this day I look at the engine with pride.”

Llyr ap Iolo, the Vale of Rheidol manager and chief engineer, paid tribute to Ifan for his work.

He said: “It’s great that Ifan has been recognised by the college in this way. It is well deserved. He is a valuable member of our workshop staff.”