An engineer has received a prestigious award at a regional ceremony.

David MacGregor, a 25-year-old engineer at Riding Mill-based offshore wind company Osbit, has been named the 2024 'Rising Star' at the North East Business Awards.

Mr MacGregor claimed the title after winning the Northumberland and Tyneside heat, and he was selected as the overall winner from three nominees.

This award is presented to a young person for their significant contribution to business, beyond their years and experience.

Despite only graduating in 2021, Mr MacGregor has already led a team of eight in the sale, design, and construction of a multi-million-pound engineering system.

The project was delivered as the flagship centrepiece for the UK's first Floating Offshore Wind Innovation Centre (FLOWIC) developed by Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult.

The system is an 'innovative' test rig that will evaluate the lifetime endurance of subsea power cables intended for floating offshore wind farms.

Mr MacGregor began his journey at Osbit in 2020 as a student engineer on a six-month placement.

Impressing the team during his stint, he returned to the company following graduation and gained a variety of experiences, including working abroad and undertaking design work for several projects.

David MacGregor receiving his award from host Kristen (Image: Supplied) Osbit director Martin Jolliffe said: "What was really apparent with Dave, right off the bat, was that he just got it.

"He fitted in really well with the team, he was clearly very smart and was great at asking questions that meant he could quickly progress.

"We encourage everyone here at Osbit to realise their true potential through offering the opportunity to take on real responsibility, right away.

"Dave’s fantastic achievement is a testament to this culture of opportunity we have here at Osbit, helping our people to truly thrive in what they do."

Mr MacGregor said: "I’m truly delighted to have received this award.

"The incredible people at Osbit have played a huge part in this achievement and my personal development.

"I’m extremely thankful to them all for the opportunities I’ve had and the contributions they have made.

"To be able to showcase the work we do with this award is a privilege."