TWO Swindon engineers have been recognised by the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Harriet Newman has been awarded chartered membership and Jane Austin has been elected as a Fellow of ICE - an influential body representing over 92,000 civil engineers and technicians across the world who design, build and maintain our transport, water, energy, waste and flood infrastructure.

Harriet currently works as an Estimator for Hochtief (UK). ICE's professionally qualified grades of membership are internationally recognised and highly valued. Harriet, has met all the requirements of the ICE's Chartered Professional Review, is now entitled to adopt the Institution's protected title of 'Chartered Civil Engineer'. Jane currently works as Head of Engineering for Western, Wales & Crossrail for Network Rail. Respected internationally, ICE Fellowship is the highest grade of ICE membership and a benchmark for those practising at the top level within the profession.

Only those with a position of responsibility in the planning, design, construction, maintenance or management of important engineering work can be awarded this level of membership and add the letters "FICE" to their name.

They were presented with their certificates by ICE President Lord Robert Mair at a special ceremony held at ICE's headquarters in Westminster.

Harriet said: "I was always interested in the world around me and I wanted to do something challenging, you will never be bored as a civil engineer. My career highlight has been working on the Bath Corridor Railway Electrification right from tender stage, through temporary works design to project completion on site."

Jane said: "I have always been interested in building things and understanding how they work. I took up civil engineering from the age of 15 and have never looked back. Engineering is an exciting opportunity with a tremendous amount to offer, it's a job where there are always opportunities to learn and grow and develop new concepts and ideas into how to solve challenges."

Richard Fish, ICE regional chair, said: "Achieving Chartered Civil Engineer status is a significant personal and career achievement, and gaining ICE Fellowship is an exceptional achievement and I congratulate both Harriet and Jane on their success. Harriet and Jane join the ICE at a significant time - our bicentenary year. We are proud to celebrate our members and how their work in civil engineering transforms people's lives for the better and safeguards the future for their families."