BASKETBALL playing twins who won scholarships to the same American university have graduated with distinctions.

Joanne Stephenson and Julie Barber, 24, became hooked on basketball while studying at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, in Darlington.

The twins, from Ferryhill, were delighted to be offered scholarships at the University of North Caroline, in Asheville.

The scholarship funding fell through after three years and the twins had to pay for their last year themselves.

While in America they played for the university basketball team, called the Bulldogs, in one of the most competitive college leagues in the country.

Proud mother Joyce Stephenson travelled to America with other family members for the graduation.

She said: "It was absolutely fantastic, a day I'll never ever forget. We sat for five hours in the steaming hot sun and there were 400 students who sat and baked in their caps and gowns. It's something to be proud of."

Julie is moving to Florida to live with her husband, Tom Barber, who she married last year.

Joanne is staying in Asheville for another year while her boyfriend, Dave Larsen, completes his final year.

The twins, who both graduated with a distinction in mass communication, are keeping their options open about their future careers.