A BRAVE student who battled back from a horrific accident to continue his studies has achieved AS-level success.

Ben Woods, 17, lost his left arm and leg after he was hit by an express train on the East Coast Main Line, near Darlington, on July 1.

The teenager, of Banks Terrace, Hurworth, who has been recovering in Middlesbrough General Hospital, is determined to continue with his studies.

Before the accident Ben took AS-Levels in English Literature, sociology, law and general studies at the Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, Darlington. Yesterday, he found out he had passed them all.

Ben hopes to be well enough to work from home when the college reopens in autumn, but is unlikely to be back at college until after Christmas.

He wants to be a writer or journalist and is determined to go on to further eduction to fulfil his ambition.

* Courageous Amy Livesey has overcome a painful skin condition to achieve success in her studies.

Amy, 18, of Tunstall, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, suffers from epidermolysis bullosa, a condition which means her skin blisters with the slightest knock.

Amy has to wear dressings every day, from her neck down, and eating is a problem as her mouth is also affected by the condition.

Against all the odds, she has managed to remain in mainstream education and her determination to succeed has resulted in A-level results. Amy passed history, general studies and got an AVCE in media studies at the Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College.

Amy has applied to study for a media degree at Teesside University but will defer her place for a year because she is awaiting surgery. She said: "I've really enjoyed my two years at college and I have had a lot of support. I'm pleased with my results."

Joy Colthup, director of enrichment, who organised support for Amy, said she had made excellent progress

"Earlier this year she was awarded a Positive Young People's Award for her determination to overcome her difficulties.

"She is always cheerful and never complains about her condition. Her attitude to her studies has been exemplary."