SCHOOL pupil Ben Wright received an unexpected extra honour after achieving nine A*s and As in his GCSEs.

For the youngster was also sent a letter informing him he had one of the top five marks in the country in English literature.

Ben, from Shotley Bridge near Consett, attends the private Dame Allan school in Newcastle with Jennifer Boyle, from Beamish, who also scored a straight nine A*s and As. "I am delighted with the results," said school principal David Walsh.

Ben scored eight A*s with a straight A in maths. Jennifer received A grades in maths and statistics and A*s in all other subjects.