Ciba Specialty Chemicals has announced the winner of its Student of the Year 2002 competition.

The Low Moor firm has given first prize to David Shepherd, pictured, who has been with the firm for five years. Mr Shepherd has been a Student of the Year finalist for the past three years,

The firm introduced the Student of the Year award in 1977 to reward its most promising emp-loyees attending college.

Mr Shepherd, 23, who has a first class honours degree in chemistry, is studying for an MSc in water manage-ment. Ciba employs more than 50 students.

Derek Fairclough, managing director for Ciba in Bradford and Grimsby, said: "Ciba is committed to the continued development of its workforce. This is an important invest-ment not only for the individual but also for the success of our business."