A HOUSTON schoolgirl has won a national engineering award for her solution to tackling food waste.

St Fillan’s Primary pupil Grace Clark, 10, was chosen as one of two winners in her year at the Scottish Engineering Leaders Awards 2017.

This was for the primary five youngster’s idea to create a food scanner that people could use in their homes to alert them when food had to be used to avoid it going out of date.

More than 12,000 primary and secondary pupils entered the awards, which are run by Primary Engineer and aim to create links between schools and industry by having engineers visit classrooms to get children enthused about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

Grace said: “I came up with the idea for the food scanner after seeing my mum throw out food which was past its sell-by date.

“I thought it would be really helpful if there was something in the house which told you when you had to use up the food in your fridge and cupboards.

“I was really happy and surprised to win the award because I know a lot of kids entered the competition.

“I’m not sure yet what I want to do when I grow up but I did enjoy learning about all the different things engineers do and coming up with an idea to solve a problem.”

In addition to Grace’s success, seven other pupils from St Fillan’s Primary were shortlisted for awards.

Councillor Jim Paterson, Renfrewshire’s education convener, said: “It’s inspiring to see our pupils do so well on a national stage, especially in STEM areas.

“Grace should be very proud of what she has achieved.

“By developing and encouraging children to have an interest in these subjects from a young age, we are helping to open their minds to the exciting career opportunities that science, technology, engineering and mathematics can offer.”

Jennifer Kaney, who helps to lead the STEM programme at St Fillan’s Primary, added: “We’re very proud of Grace that her entry was chosen as the winner.

“She put a lot of thought into the design and it helps address an everyday problem.”