Andrew Milne, a civil engineer with Hampshire County Council's surveyors' department, has had a big win.

He came top in the national papers competition of the Institution of Civil Engineers.

His paper, on low-noise surfacing for roads, drew upon his experience with the county council.

Andrew, who originally gained an HNC in environmental health with a diploma in acoustics and noise control, went on to obtain an honours degree in civil engineering from Southampton University.

After some years in the London borough of Harrow and with Poole Borough Council, he joined Hampshire County Council and now supervises road construction and maintenance.

Commenting on his win, Andrew said: "I am over the moon to have won this prize; I did not think that my paper stood a chance against the others--but my wife was convinced that I would win.

"Without support from the county council and the encouragement of John Ekins, the county surveyor, I am sure that I would not have succeeded."

A family man with four children, in his spare time Andrew plays the piano, guitar and drums, writes songs and enjoys horse riding.

He is also very patriotic and frequently wears a Union flag tie at work.