A young engineer achieved an A at AS-level for product design two years early.

Alex Williams, 15, of Shalford Green, is not due to start his GCSEs at Helena Romanes School in Dunmow until September.

He said: “I want to become a mechanical engineer so product design is a hobby of mine.

“I’ve already designed a set of Bluetooth portable speakers which my mum uses every day and a remote controlled helicopter with cameras on.

“It’s good to get my qualifications out the way early.”

His inventions include a drone fitted with cameras and a pencil that can make different sounds when used, thanks to an electronic circuit.

He designed a rotating bookcase for an international design competition and went up against sixth form and university students from across the world.

He came tenth in his category.