STUDENT Kathryn Ripley has continued her award-winning ways by being named top graduate on her university course.

Ms Ripley, 21, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, gained the award for her achievement in applied psychology at the University of Durham.

She gained a first class BSc degree, at the Stockton campus, and took part in the graduation ceremony yesterday.

Ms Ripley is a former pupil of Woodham Comprehensive School, Newton Aycliffe, and Darlington's Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College.

She had previously won an award for being the top second year student and another for academic achievement in applied psychology.