TOP science students at the Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College in Darlington have won prizes for their efforts.

The annual Heckscher Wolf prizes went to Robin Carter and Marilyn Willi for chemistry, David Bruce and Simon Dobson for maths, and Philip Tuddenham and Katie Cole for physics.

Robin, David and Philip sat their A-levels this year, attaining outstanding results which secured them places at university.

Marilyn, Simon and Katie are still at the college, having just entered their second year of A-level study. They gained excellent marks in their AS level examinations.

Marilyn, 22, a mature student from Melsonby, near Richmond, has done exceptionally well to receive the chemistry prize, because she combines her studies with two jobs, at the Dolphin Centre and Boots in Darlington, and has the pressures of independent living.

Linda Aldridge, director of studies for science, said: "From a minimal knowledge base of chemistry, she worked extremely hard to build up her knowledge and understanding of the subject, never being content until she was convinced that she had fully grasped any new ideas.

"In all aspects she has been an exemplary student. We are delighted to see her final AS results. To have gained one of the highest marks out of the whole year group, in her circumstances, is a real achievement to be proud of."

Marilyn wants to become a pharmacist and work in Switzerland, where she has family. She is taking an AS course in German to help her realise her ambition.