GWION PICKS UP TOP DESIGN AWARD FOR FARM GRID

[caption id="attachment_4094" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Gwion shows Carwyn Jones how his innovative grid works Gwion shows Carwyn Jones how his innovative grid works[/caption]

The son of a Farmers' Union of Wales member has won a national design competition after inventing a portable grid allowing cyclists to enjoy the countryside without dismounting.

Keen cyclist Gwion Jones, 16-year-old son of Ifan and Olwen Jones, who farm at Tymawr, Mallwyd, Meirionnydd, designed the device - which stops sheep escaping between fields - as a substitute for gates around his parents' farm.

It also has great potential for farmers using quad bikes.

He was a pupil at Ysgol y Gader, Dolgellau, when he designed the grid. He is the first GCSE student to beat older A-level competitors to the top prize at the WJEC's Innovation Exhibition and Awards 2012.

First minister Carwyn Jones presented Gwion with the prestigious Innovation Award and GCSE prize of £500 for himself, £300 for his school and the coveted Beckley Cup and Magnox North Trophy.

His portable cycling grid was described as an "excellent piece of work" by WJEC's design and technology specialist Steve Howells.

Gwion, nephew of FUW Meirionnydd county executive officer Huw Jones, is now continuing with his studies at Coleg Meirion Dwyfor, Glynllifon, and is hoping to patent his prototype device.