Lord of the wedding (From Stroud News and Journal)

Lord of the wedding

A YOUNG student from Quedgeley has scooped a top science award after marrying his flair for design with his outstanding technical skills.

Paul Aspinall, 17, who is now studying at Ribston Hall in Gloucester, entered a bridal gown he had designed for Lord of the Rings star Liv Tyler at the national BA Crest Science Fair in London.

The fair, held on February 28, showcases science and technology projects from students across the UK.

While a wedding dress design may seem to be pushing the boundaries of the scientific criteria, judges were impressed by Paul's technical know-how and methodical planning.

"Paul's project was outstanding," said judge Helen Murray. "What was interesting was how he was very creative, yet logical at the same time.

"His project was not only well thought out, but ended up with a fantastic output. "His project management skills were exemplary, with fully drawn out flow charts of how he ended up with the finished product and he even made a dress makers diary."

Paul, who won £1,000 after winning the second prize at the competition and is hoping to make a 'Liv'-ing from his dress designs, said: "I've always been interested in fashion and how styles vary from one year to the next.

"I did work experience at a local bridal shop and this inspired me to do a project designing the gown.

"I imagined that Liv Tyler had asked me to design her dress and set about researching the type of dress she would choose, fashions past and present and how wedding dresses are made."