SCARBOROUGH schoolgirl Zoe Bruce has been selected to study at university - at just 15.

She is one of only a handful of gifted youngsters nationwide to be selected for the National Academy of Gifted and Talented Youths' first summer venture aimed at encouraging young people to fulfil their potential.

Zoe, a pupil at Pindar School, is spending three weeks at the University of Warwick studying ecology.

She said: "I sent in a report on my chosen subject, which was ecology and environmental science, and got a recommendation from my school. It's great to have been chosen because science is one of my best subjects."

As well as ecology, the students, who are aged between 11 and 16, will be tutored in either mathematics, chemistry, philosophy, creative writing or drama.

Academy director Paul Greatrix said: "The academy is an exciting opportunity to encourage bright young people. They have great potential and we exist to assist them in achieving their best in a fun and supportive environment."