A NEW chairwoman for the South West has been appointed by the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Alexis Field currently works for the Highways Agency, where she has been responsible for the maintenance and operation of trunk roads in a part of the region.

Her appointment is now set to make her a role model for other women thinking of becoming an engineer.

The South West branch of the institute covers an area from Gloucestershire to Cornwall and has about 6,000 members.

Ms Field said: "I would like to inspire other recently professionally qualified engineers to stay involved with the institution.

“Encouraging a wider diversity of person into our industry and organisations means we can plan, build and maintain a diverse society with equal opportunities for all.

"It is therefore important that we encourage people from all backgrounds into the profession and I hope that by taking on a prominent role in the region I will be able to contribute to this aim.”

Trish Johnson, regional director for the institution, said: “Alexis represents the views of the minority within our membership and I believe her position will give her the opportunity to be a role model for potential engineers of the future."