Boning up on biology pays off

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."