A YOUNG designer has made a big bang after wowing judges at a national science fair.

First year Cleveland College of Art & Design fashion student Daniel Grey, 16, has been selected to represent the North East in the Big Bang National Science and Engineering Competition.

Impressing judges with his menswear playsuit, combining a hybrid of technological creative processes with high fashion, Daniel was awarded the trophy in the innovation category at the regional heat held at Darlington College to gain a place in the national finals of the competition.“I couldn’t believe it when I was asked to enter the Big Bang,” said Daniel, who is studying BTEC Extended Diploma in Fashion and Textiles at The Northern School of Art the specialist art college based in Middlesbrough.  “Science was my worst subject at school so I thought I must have been entered into the wrong competition by my tutor.“I was so shocked, but really impressed with myself when I won, especially as I was surrounded by other people entering rockets, lighting systems and other engineering projects.”

The Big Bang design and engineering competition aims to recognise and reward young people’s achievements in all areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Students compete against more than 250 entrants to win awards for the high level of imagination and engineering skills displayed in their products.

The Northern School of Art Fashion and Textiles Course Leader Diane Watson said: “At first I wasn’t sure how fashion would fit into a science competition but then all of the processes that we use, such as laser cutting, digital printing, photo shopping, heat and dye transfers and using different fabric compounds, all fall into the criteria for the competition.” Daniel’s playsuit used digital image manipulation to create the fabric and laser cutting in the design process. The Big Bang national final will take place in March 2015 at The NEC Birmingham, where finalists will showcase their work to more than 75,000 people and compete for a range of prizes worth over £50,000, including international experience awards. Daniel said: “I’ve always wanted to study fashion and The Northern School of Art is the best place to do that. To be put forward and gain national recognition in my first year is incredible and hopefully open up a lot of opportunities for me. To win would be an incredible start to my career.”