AN engineer has become a member of a prestigious institution in civil engineering.

Mark Frise, living and working in Exeter but who grew up in Tavistock, has been awarded membership of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). ICE membership (MICE) can be awarded to a wide range of engineers practising in the broad area of civil engineering.

Mark, who has met all the requirements of the ICE's Chartered Professional Review, is now entitled to add the letters MICE to his name and adopt the institution's own protected title of 'Chartered Civil Engineer'.

ICE's professionally qualified grades of membership are internationally recognised and highly valued.

Mark was presented his membership certificate be ICE president, professor Barry Clarke at an admission ceremony held at the ICE headquarters in Westminster, London.

Trish Johnson, ICE South West regional director, said: 'Civil engineering is an important engineering discipline sitting right at the heart of society. It is all about creating, improving and protecting the infrastructure that we all depend on in our day-to-day lives — from bridges, roads and railways, right through to energy networks and water and waste infrastructure.

'Achieving Chartered Civil engineer status is a significant personal and career achievement and we welcome Mark into the ICE.'

Mark, who works for Paul Carpenter Associates in Exeter, said he felt a great sense of achievement obtaining chartered membership of the oldest and most respected learned institution in the world.

'The career possibilities as a civil engineer are endless. From the design of the tallest building and the longest span bridge, to developing crucial infrastructure in third world countries, the opportunities to enhance people's lives are there to be grabbed with both hands.'