Hannah Blair, who is studying Computer Science at the University and lives in Bromley, was given the award, which was sponsored by Deutsche Bank at a ceremony in Canary Wharf.

120 students were chosen from nearly 3500 in the TARGETjobs Undergraduate of the Year annual competition. There were 12 awards up for grabs, including Future CFO, Future Business Leader and the One to Watch, as well as more industry-focused categories such as Computer Science, Engineering and Management.

The 120 finalists met at the Canary Wharf awards ceremony to celebrate the best students in the UK and were given their award by television presenter Konnie Huq.

The winning students come from varied backgrounds, including a two-time marathon runner, a founder of a web development and design company, a radio presenter and political writer, and volunteers from areas including an international youth festival, conservation work in Indonesia and code clubs in local schools.

Professor Mark Plumbley, current Computer Science Head of Department, said: "Everyone at the University is very proud of Hannah's outstanding work. Her award will be an inspiration to other students, both here at Surrey and in computer science departments across the UK."

Hannah Blair said: “The event was a really fun day with loads of fantastic students. Konnie Huq was a fantastic presenter and really inspirational, and it was a pleasure to speak with her.

“It’s a great honour to be chosen for the Innovation award from such a strong list of talented students. Studying Computer Science BSc at the University of Surrey has exposed me to many fields of technology, which is the best thing about it. The course is very broad and allows you to explore what you are strongly interested in, and I've been able to develop my own ideas with my peers and independently apply the skills I've learnt to personal projects, competitions and previous internships.

“I live in Bromley and currently work at The Walt Disney HQ in London for my placement. I've been able to develop myself further in a working environment, and would like to go on to explore Data Science at Deutsche Bank this summer.”

Simon Rogers, GTI director, said: “The 12 winners have achieved so much already, and all demonstrate dedication, ambition and generosity.”

Submitted by Nina Romain