A MAN who has dedicated his working life to a Kidderminster carpet firm is celebrating becoming a fellow of a prestigious academy.

Managing director of Brintons Carpets John Pilling has been elected a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, which provides advice and support to the government and education system.

The 58-year-old, who has worked at the company for 40 years, said he wants to use the opportunity to expand engineering in schools and encourage more children take an interest in it.

He added he believed other fellows had chosen him for the post because of Brintons' success in the Manufacturing Excellence Awards 2001 and 2002.

"It's a great honour and came as something of a surprise," he said.

"I've always been very interested in getting children - the younger the better - interested in the practical side of engineering and that's where I'd like to help.

"My time to do that will be limited until I retire, but I'll support them in any way I can."

Up to 60 new fellows are elected to the academy each year in recognition of their outstanding achievements in engineering.

Mr Pilling added he was looking forward to meeting other new recruits and learning more about the organisation at a welcome meal in October.