A STUDENT who doctors thought would never survive beyond birth gained two AS-levels last week.

Emma Briggs, from Prior Pursglove College, Guisborough, who has cerebral palsy, achieved a C in philosophy and a D in sociology.

The 18-year-old, who spends Saturday afternoons working at the Oxfam charity shop, in Guisborough, is unable to walk, is visually impaired and has a learning support worker with her at college.

Emma said: "It takes me longer to learn things than the other students. I have done an extra year at college to get where I am.

All I have ever wanted to be is a teacher. I always like helping people. That is where my strengths lie and it is where I can make up for what I cannot do.

"I want to teach special needs children and teach them that they can be who they want to be."

Her mother, Pam, said: "I am not surprised that she has done so well

"The doctors did not give her tuppence for her chances when she was born after a 28-and-a-half-week pregnancy weighing three pounds three ounces and with breathing difficulties.

"But her motto has always been 'I have started so I'll finish'. She's a real fighter."

Emma, from Witton Village, near Redcar, Teesside, attended Huncliffe School, where she gained five GCSEs.

She hopes to go on to study sociology or history at university.

Full result listings can be seen in today's Northern Echo