Kingston University has paid tribute to a Kingston engineering hero by naming their new learning resource centre after him.

TV presenter Kate Humble opened the Sir Sydney Camm Centre at the Roehampton Vale campus on March 25.

Sir Sydney is most famous for designing one of the most important fighter planes of the Second World War, the Hawker Hurricane.

Ms Humble, whose grandfather worked with Sir Sydney, said: “If it is true that we look to the past to find inspiration for the future, there is good reason to remember those who have achieved extraordinary things in their lives.

“The pressures are different today, but engineering remains crucial to our future way of life.”

Sir Sydney's career started in Kingston with the Hawker Aircraft Company where he went on to be instrumental in the design of several of the world's most famous military aircraft including the Hurricane and the Harrier Jump Jet.

Aircraft Engineering student Mike Yeomans, 24, said: “I think it's a good name. I hadn't heard of him to be honest but I probably should have. There should be some pictures of him and what he did. Some Hurricanes or something.”

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Dr Peter Mason, was pleased with the new Learning Resource Centre.

Dr Mason said: “The Sir Sydney Camm Centre has transformed the Roehampton Vale site. It has become a great place to meet, develop projects and thrash out ideas.”