HIGH-FLYING student Awais Khan took a break from his books to spend a year in work - and ended up winning a prestigious industry prize.

The 19-year-old interrupted his journey to join the country's academic elite by stopping off with Railtrack.

Awais, who has gained a place at Cambridge University to study economics, used his skills to help plan train timetables and work in Railtrack's compensation department.

The fruits of his labours came when he won the award for best display in the Year In Industry exhibition at Manchester's G-Mex.

Awais, who took A-levels at Burnley Sixth Form Centre after leaving Edge End High School, said: "In the time I've been with Railtrack I have not only learned to work as part of a team, but I have also gained a management qualification in the process.

"The whole experience has certainly helped my personal development."

Awais teamed up with another year-out student, Darwen's Chris Hunwick, to put together an audio-visual display called The Heart of the Railway illustrating their experiences.

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