The sky is the limit for Kent’s leading school science awards which are now officially open for nominations, and the first ambassador is ready to take flight.

Jane Priston, director of the Amy Johnson and Herne Bay Project, is passionate about highlighting the importance of the pioneering female pilot and how her legacy can inspire young people to develop their scientific skills and pursue a rewarding career.

She said: “I’m delighted to be announced as the first Bright Sparks ambassador. I come from a background designed to inspire young people – particularly girls – to consider a career in aviation or engineering, but also to prompt them into being innovative and creative.”

She added: “I’m very intrigued to see what projects all the entrants offer. This is an exciting event which enables pupils to not only build something extraordinary, but also to communicate. Being able to realise and promote an idea is just as important as forming it.”

The KM Bright Spark Awards are designed to make science cool and challenge pupils in three core categories: Innovation, Investigation and Invention. They will face fellow students for a place to promote their work to a band of judges at a Dragon’s Den style celebration event staged at Discovery Park, Sandwich. The winning participants will receive a top prize of £500 cash.

Lisa Craig, events manager at the KM Charity Team which organises the awards, said: “Jane’s keen spirit to prompt school children into pursuing science and engineering is truly inspiring. Just like Amy Johnson, young people have the opportunity to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. We are thrilled to have her involvement with Bright Sparks and look forward to judging all the submitted projects.”

To submit your Bright Sparks nomination, visit www.kmcharityteam.co.uk/brightspark

All nominations must be received by noon on Friday, June 3.