A lecturer at a Preston university is the Young Scientist of the Year.

Dr Mark Holden has been recognised by the British Association for Crystal Growth.

Dr Holden’s research focused on the factors controlling the formation of the first ice crystals on surfaces.

Lecturing in Chemistry at the University of Central Lancashire the 32-year-old’s work was published in the journal Science Advances.

Dr Holden said: “I am absolutely delighted to receive this award. This is a significant moment in my career. To be recognised in this way by experts in the field is very gratifying and makes the hard work worthwhile.”

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Mark was nominated by Professor Fiona Meldrum who was his former supervisor at the University of Leeds.

She said: “Mark is an outstanding young scientist. This project called on skills he already possessed as a materials chemist but required him to learn new research techniques and analysis. He makes a wonderful recipient of this award.”

As well as the prize Dr Holden also bags himself £250.

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