A DIRECTOR who led two major projects at Burnley General Hospital has been awarded a top engineering prize.

Martin Morgan has been given the Fellowship of the Institution of Civil Engineers, an influential body that represents 80,000 civil engineers across the world.

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Mr Morgan, director of estates and facilities at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, has achieved the highest grade of ICE membership, a benchmark for those practising at the top level in civil engineering.

This comes after he oversaw the construction of the Lancashire Women & Newborns Centre, which opened on the Burnley site in 2010, and the Urgent Care Centre, which opened last year.

Only those with a position of responsibility in the planning, design, construction, maintenance or management of important engineering work can be accorded this status, which is marked by the letters FICE after their name.

Mr Morgan, of Poulton-le-Fylde, was presented with his fellowship certificate by Professor David Balmforth, president of ICE, at a ceremony in London.

Mr Morgan, whose career has spanned 37 years, said: “I have always wanted to understand how things work, in particular buildings and structures. That curiosity to understand and learn more is as strong today as ever. I would encourage school pupils considering a career in engineering to find out more about how engineering can help improve the life of others.

“The highlight from my local-government days would be my involvement in the design and construction of Shard Bridge across the River Wyre near Hambleton.

“The highlights from the NHS part of my career are the important developments we have made at Burnley General Hospital.

“But there are new highlights every day as we consistently provide a clean, safe environment for patients.”

Alan Butler, regional director of ICE North West, said: “I congratulate Martin on joining an elite group of civil engineers. This accolade recognises a significant contribution to the profession and seniority in the industry.”