A Darlington girl will be studying for her GCSEs at the town's Polam Hall School after winning a scholarship.

Suzanna Millar, 11, has been awarded the Simon Bailes scholarship.

She is the first person to benefit from the scholarship sponsored by the Peugeot dealer, which will be presented to five girls over a nine-year period.

The scholarship examinations at Polam are judged on academic excellence.

Suzanna, formerly of Abbey Junior School, in Darlington, was also awarded a minor scholarship for her musical talents in cello and piano.

The Simon Bailes sponsorship is the first business-sponsored scholarship at the school.

Managing director Simon Bailes said: "We have some tremendous academic talent right on our doorstep and this award is designed to nurture this talent."

Suzanne Davison, acting headteacher at Polam Hall, said: "Suzanna's academic and musical abilities stand her head and shoulders above the rest, and I am looking forward to watching these talents develop over the next few years."