Holly, who will graduate from the University of Sheffield in the summer, received her £750 prize at the Young Woman Engineer of the Year award ceremony. It was presented in London by Professor Julia King, vice chancellor of Aston University, with Ford represented by European quality director, Kenna Kintrea.

Ford and The WISE Campaign (Women Into Science and Engineering) make the annual award, which is backed by the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, to a carefully chosen female engineering student. Holly came first after a stringent selection process including interview by a panel of engineering professionals.

The Ford WISE prize was initiated by Ford to recognise and reward exceptional women studying engineering. It also promotes engineering as a career.

Ford Engine Assembly Supervisor Josephine Payne, who was on the judging panel said: "Holly has demonstrated excellent engineering ability which, coupled with her charismatic, intelligent and enthusiastic style, make her an excellent role model and a very worthy winner of the 2007 Ford WISE prize" - Ford.