The scientist who gave his name to the Higgs boson "god particle" hopes a prize named in his honour will inspire a new generation of physics geniuses.

First Minister Alex Salmond has announced an annual prize named after Professor Peter Higgs, for school students.

Mr Higgs, of Edinburgh University, said: "I hope that this will inspire young students of today. Rewarding those who have excelled in physics in this way and supporting the next generation of scientists is to be warmly welcomed."

The Higgs Prize, open to Scottish school students who excel in physics, will be formally launched by the First Minister and the scientist tomorrow.