AN EXCEPTIONAL GCSE success in maths looks like adding up to a bright future for a 12-year-old Yarm boy.

Martyn Moxen, a pupil at Conyers School, achieved an A* in the recent exam results. He sat the exam early after gaining an intermediate pass while still at primary school.

Head teacher, Mr John Morgan, said such early success is unusual. "But maths is a subject which seems to bring out an accelerated gift," he said.

Martyn's father, Mr Ken Moxen, said: "We are very proud of him."

Much of Martyn's work is done through his mother, Anne, drawing on knowledge she gained while studying chemistry some 20 years ago.

"He has a natural ability, but she teaches him," said Mr Moxen. "She encourages him to try the different papers."

The Moxens' daughter, 15-year-old daughter Francesca, is also at Conyers. Mr Moxen said she, too, was good at everything - always first in exams or in the top three. She has just achieved a GCSE grade 6 distinction in violin.

"We take an interest in what they do," said Mr Moxen. "But Martyn is not a swot. He is just an ordinary lad."

Both youngsters enjoy kayaking and were at the world canoe championships in Stockton last weekend attended by Princess Anne.

Mr Moxen, who is in insurance, says Martyn has no specific career in kind but is motivated towards figures. "He has talked about becoming a chartered accountant," he said. "Both children are very good on computers and with IT."

Now back from a holiday in Malaysia, Martyn is working towards his A-level. "It is important to keep it going before distractions set in," said Mr Moxen. "But Martyn has proved people can succeed at any age."

Mr Morgan said: "Martyn's achievement is unusual. He is a very talented mathematician. "But his teacher is used to working with gifted children.

"He is an able lad who does well in all his subjects and who fits in well socially. He is pleasant and gets on well with his year group."

He said Martyn was the youngest Conyers pupil to pass at this level.

"We are delighted to have been able to respond to his needs," said Mr Morgan. "His parents must have wondered if we would cope after his primary school success, but we have been able to keep his progress going.

It is terrific, quite exceptional.