A NORTH-EAST student's A* grade in GCSE Russian has come as no surprise to her teachers and friends.

Fourteen-year-old Katia Pallister, who attends Shotton Hall school, in Peterlee, County Durham, was born in the Yosher-Ola region of Russia and moved to England with her family only three years ago.

Despite the culture change and the challenge of a different language, Katia settled in quickly to her new lifestyle and education.

After only one term at Shotton Hall School, she was awarded a prize for the pupil who had overcome the most difficulties during the academic year.

Her English is fluent and she is even developing a slight North-East accent.

Headteacher Ian Mowbray said: "Katia is an exemplary student. She has settled almost seamlessly into her new environment and she is doing very well in her studies.'

" Her success in the GCSE is no real surprise because she is very motivated and a very talented young lady.

"To achieve an A* nonetheless is a very fine achievement. Russian may be her native language, but there are many students who take examinations in their own language and do not achieve the top grade.

"Katia is a lovely girl and we are all very proud of her.''