A YOUNG scientist has been awarded a national prize for being the best student on her university degree course.

Sarah Solan, 21, from Spennymoor, won the Society for General Microbiology award for being the top second year student on a microbiology degree.

The former pupil at St John's RC Comprehensive, in Bishop Auckland, is studying at the University of Central Lancashire, in Preston.

She was presented with a certificate and a £50 cheque by head of department Professor Bill Winlow.

She said: "I feel really privileged to be nominated for the award and I really didn't expect anything to come of it.

"When I heard that I'd won I was shocked, but obviously delighted."

Sarah is in the final year of her course and is working hard on her research project.