PUPILS at Framwellgate School in Durham were among those celebrating the bumper crop of A-level results.

Mark Patterson achieved four grade As and is going to study maths at Newcastle University.

He also received letters of commendation from the exam board for his maths, physics and chemistry results.

Paul Lupton, head of Sixth Form, said: "The exam boards sent out letters to the top five candidates in each subject. Mark got three letters. That's off the scale."

Robert Phipps achieved five straight As while Rebecca Hunter and Laura Owen were both awarded four As.

Matthew Ward got five As and had already sat his music A-level a year early, taking the total to six grade As.

John Provine, who also achieved an A in music a year early, was awarded straight As in his other four exams.

He has turned down a place at Trinity College, Cambridge, and is already in America after accepting a place to study maths at Harvard.

Mr Lupton said: "These are all outstanding results but there have been excellent results from students at both ends of the ability range.

"It looks as if more than 80 per cent of the pupils will be going to university."

Headteacher Joan Sjovoll added: "We are delighted with this year's results.

"They reflect the hard work and commitment of the students, staff and parents working together."