A DARLINGTON student is a finalist in the 2017 Design Innovation in Plastics competition.

Aidan Smith, who is studying at Northumbria University, is one of six finalists from a record entry of 166, who were asked to design a primarily plastic product for independent travel.

Aidan, a second year Design for Industry student, came up with a “pedlock” bicycle pedal with integral lock.

Organised by the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining and the Worshipful Company of Horners, the competition is the longest running student plastics design competition in Europe, having been established in 1985.

Aidan and the other shortlisted students, have now presented their products to the judging panel who will announce the winner at a ceremony in London on June 30.

He said: “I’ve put a lot of effort and hard work into my design and feel very privileged that it has been recognised by the judges and selected for the final.

“It has definitely helped in my progression as a designer, as by looking into the smallest of details and developing my design it has allowed me to learn and improve my skills.”