British Energy's Shawn Mills helps out at a local school

Making robots and even hovercraft from scratch are just some of the weird and wonderful things children have learned from Shawn as part of a ground breaking volunteer mentoring scheme.

For years Shawn, an electrical engineer at Sizewell B, has hosted activity days at local schools - and is a leading light in major initiatives like the national Engineering Education Scheme and the Science and Engineering Ambassadors scheme.

Mentors in science, technology and engineering share their knowledge with local schools to inspire youngsters and offer alternative interests and career options. Now the Royal Academy of Engineering has awarded Shawn for his "valuable contribution" to the voluntary service.

"I act as a regular mentor for the scheme and regularly attend weekend workshops where young people from the age of nine can learn how to make things - even robots!" he said.

"The thing I love about mentoring is that as professionals we can give young children the confidence to say "I can do that" - and get interested in subjects they might otherwise find boring."

One group of 12 year-olds recently made a fully operational hovercraft using little more than vacuum cleaner spares and plastic sheeting.

Shawn is a busy man, finding time to study for a Masters degree while maintaining the day job of responsibility for Sizewell's 11kv switch-gear and electrical systems among other things.

He said: "Scientists and engineers have a responsibility to encourage young people into related professions. What could be better than learning how to make robots? The children become very enthusiastic and go back to school wanting to find out much more about things from their science and technology tutors.

The reaction from schools who are part of the mentoring scheme has been extremely positive - and organisers praised Shawn's commitment.

A spokesman said: "We are extremely grateful to Shawn for his strong support. He inspires budding engineers and not only does he voluntarily run workshops but he's also been spotted flying rockets at our family science and technology days!"