ÍøÆØÃÅ

Durham University student Alexa Bone has lived up to her name by winning one of the UK's most prestigious prizes for young biologists.

Ms Bone achieved a 98 per cent average in her A-level biology papers. She collected the Salters Nuffield Advanced Level Biology Prize - awarded to the highest scoring student - on December 9.

Ms Bone was initially rejected by Durham, because she was erroneously given a B in her chemistry A level.

She appealed the result. The exam board accepted it had made an administrative error and awarded Ms Bone an A in chemistry. With four As under her belt, Durham accepted her.

Her father, Derek Bone, said: "Durham rejected her, but we knew the result was a mistake. Instead of being a day of rejoicing, results day was one of sadness."

Ms Bone, who has just finished her first term studying natural sciences at Durham, said: "I'm really enjoying it, although it is very hard work."