A DEVICE which simplifies the learning of Braille has helped a Gwent schoolgirl scoop a major award in a national innovation competition event.

Tara Hipwood, aged 16, from Lewis Girls Comprehensive School in Ystrad Mynach, came second in the Grand Final of the Wales Student Innovation Awards (WSIA) for her device.

Judges commended Tara on the extensive research she had carried out, plus her effective use of technology.

Tara said: "I will be working with the Royal National Institute for the Blind to develop my project further."

Winner Joseph Peach, 16, a pupil at Ysgol Gyfun Llanbedr Pont Steffan in Mid Wales, collected first prize with a futuristic design for a hamster cage.

Judges at the event, held at The Orangery, Margam Park, praised Joseph for forging a perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality.

His product was described as having tremendous commercial potential. Joseph, who made the coloured acrylic cage for his brother's pet, says he would like to pursue the commercial avenue.

"I think it could sell well as it can be flat-packed and mass produced very easily." Third place went to Donna Bridgeman, 16, from Rumney High School in Cardiff, for a catwalk design.

The event was attended by Jane Davidson, Assembly minister for education and lifelong learning.

She praised the innovation culture promoted by the Wales Student Innovation Awards. She said: "Innovation is what we need to help create a prosperous, self-sustaining economy in Wales."

Gwent-based Ubiquity Software's Simon Gibson, chief executive and president of Wesley Clover Wales (part of Sir Terry Matthews' business empire), delivered the keynote speech.

Mr Gibson said: "Wales must adapt and innovate if it is to stay ahead in a globalised, high-tech world."

The three winning students were each awarded a cash prize with grants going to their respective schools.

And each of the three D&T teachers who supervised the winning students have been invited on a fact-finding mission to Ottowa to look at best practice in creativity, innovation and education/industry links.

*PICTURED: Simon Gibson and Tara Hipwood with her Braille teaching aid