When it comes to awards, if you are an engineer they don't come much bigger than the James Watt International Gold Medal.

Renishaw's Sir David McMurtry has been awarded the significant gong from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

The co-founder and executive chairman of the Wotton-under-Edge global engineering company attended a ceremony at The Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester where he was honoured for his outstanding contribution to mechanical engineering.

"The highest honour in mechanical engineering is fantastic recognition for Sir David," said Chris Pockett, head of communications at Renishaw.

"He's always been a visionary, and his leadership skills and innovation have driven the company forwards.

"It's to his credit that Renishaw is now at the forefront of automated metrology and supplying industries around the world, from semiconductor manufacturing to medical and aerospace."

First established in 1936 to commemorate the bicentenary of the birth of the inventor James Watt, the Gold Medal is awarded every two years to an engineer who has achieved worldwide recognition for their work.

It is described as the highest award that the industry can bestow and that a mechanical engineer can receive.

Previous winners of the award include the inventor of the turbojet engine Sir Frank Whittle, aviation pioneer Igor Sikorsky and automobile manufacturer Henry Ford.

Sir David founded Renishaw with Rolls-Royce colleague John Deer in 1973, to commercialise his invention, the touch-trigger probe.

The product revolutionised the measurement industry and the company grew into a world-leading engineering business.

During his career, Sir David has been globally recognised numerous times for his contributions to engineering and science, including his Knighthood which was awarded for services to Design and Innovation.

Whilst at Rolls-Royce Sir David was named as inventor or co-inventor on 47 patents or patent applications, and over 150 at Renishaw.