Leeds University student named as a Barclays Woman of the Year

THE young Yorkshire-based inventor of a ‘sustainable’ fridge has been named a Barclays Woman of the Year.

Emily Cummins, who is in her final year of her Business Management degree at Leeds University, attracted the attention of the judges for her innovative and potentially life-changing invention.

The prototype fridge doesn’t require electricity to run and was designed for use in the developing world.

It works by harnessing energy from the sun to cool medicines and other small items using evaporation.

The 22-year-old has been inventing since the age of 15 and credits her grandfather as a major influence.

The Barclays Women of the Year awards are given annually to “exceptional and selfless women who, with determination and vision, have made an impact on the lives of many”.

Previous winners have included child protection campaigner Sara Payne, and singer Tina Turner.

Ms Cummins now plans to develop a commercial version of her sustainable fridge.