A SIXTH-Form student who astounded scientists by proving there could be life on Mars yesterday celebrated top grades in his six A-levels.

Gifted 18-year-old Edwin Kite scored straight As in maths, further maths, physics, chemistry, biology and geology.

In November, the teenager from Jesmond, Newcastle, competed alone against 60 teams and came second in an international science competition. He used established data to prove algae-type life forms could have survived on the Red Planet.

Edwin, whose mother Maire is an architect and father Stephen is a lecturer, has applied to read natural sciences at Pembroke College, Cambridge.

Edwin, who is enjoying a walking holiday with his family near Poitiers, France, said he was relieved he had the grades he needed for Cambridge.

He said: ''I'd like to thank my teachers for giving me a broad-based education which has stopped me from being 'just' a mathematician, because that would be boring."

David Stapylton, deputy head of St Cuthbert's School, Denton Burn, Newcastle, said: "We are very proud of Edwin's performance.

"To attempt six traditional A-levels requires not only natural genius but also fantastic hard work.''

Dr Kite, who lectures in architecture at Newcastle University, said of his son: "He works hard but he knows how to pace himself as well. We are obviously delighted."