A SCHOOLGIRL will continue her education at Darlington's Polam Hall School thanks to Peugeot dealer Simon Bailes.

Lara Tyselling, 11, from Darlington, has been awarded the Simon Bailes Scholarship to study at the school.

The scholarship is the first business-sponsored scholarship and the only external 11-plus award the school assigns.

Polam Hall promotes the award within local schools each year.

Shortlisted candidates take part in an assessment day, at which Lara demonstrated her outstanding academic ability in a variety of tests, which included mathematics, verbal reasoning and reading.

Lara, a pupil at Abbey Junior School, Darlington, has a keen interest in drama, which she is hoping to develop further during her time at Polam Hall.

Headteacher Marie Green said: "Lara's academic abilities are complemented by her love of music and drama.

"She is full of enthusiasm and I am very much looking forward to watching her enjoy school life over the next few years."