A NUNTHORPE biochemistry student has been awarded an Oxford University prize for coming top in her first year of study.

Sarah Graham, 19, attended Nunthorpe School and Prior Pursglove College's South Park campus, before going to Exeter College, Oxford. She gained 13 A* grades in her GCSE exams and five As in her A-levels.

In addition to studying topics like genetic and cloning, she likes fashion and occasionally models clothes made by a school friend.

The Biochemical Society Prize is awarded to the top biochemistry student at Oxford. In addition, Sarah has won two scholarships, the Fitzgerald Prize and Waugh Scholarship, for her work.

"I started at Oxford last October. The course was pretty tough and we had exams this summer. I passed with marks over 80pc," said Sarah, of Bedford Road.

"I've been back home since June and return to Oxford in a week. I've just been relaxing and seeing friends. I needed a break. The course is pretty stressful and we have more work than I expected!"

However, Oxford was a great city and she enjoyed life there.

"I thought the students would be extremely posh, but they're from all sorts of backgrounds and really nice."

Her studies have included projects on DNA and the human genome.

"We're trying to sequence the genetic make-up of humans. Hopefully, the results can be used to fight cancer. I'd like to get into that sort of work in the future."

Her parents have mathematical rather than biochemical backgrounds. Her father, John, is a retired tax inspector while her mother, Anne, still works at Stockton tax office.

"Ever since I was at school, I've been interested in science. I discovered biochemistry just by flicking through university prospectuses. It's really fascinating finding out how life works.

"Biochemistry is increasingly popular - maybe because there's been a lot of coverage of topics like cloning and genetically modified crops. But there's much more that that. It underpins medicine."

Thankfully, she had not had any major mishaps during her laboratory experiments, although some tests went wrong from time to time.

"Nothing too dramatic," she remarked. "I really enjoy the practical work."

Her master's degree course lasts four years with a final research project. Tony Simpson, Prior Pursglove's director of school liaison, guided her through the university application.

"Sarah is one of the most gifted students I've ever worked with. She's a credit to her school, college and family. To win three prizes for her first year of university study is exceptional."

Away from science, Sarah said she shared an interest in clothes design with school friend Sarah Menezes, who is studying psychology at York University.

"We've always been interested in clothes. I did GCSE textiles and Sarah makes a lot of clothes. I've helped model them for a web site designed by her boyfriend, Simon Wharf."

Her favourite designers included Karen Millen.