A STUDENT is celebrating after learning that one of his A-level results was one of the best in the country.

Matthew Ross, from Stillington, near Darlington, received straight As in French, English literature, music and general studies following two years at Darlington's Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College.

The 18-year-old has been told by the OCR Examining Board that his French mark was the fifth highest in the country, and he gained the top mark in one of the option pages.

Matthew said: "I am surprised but delighted. It will boost my confidence when I go to university."

He is about to go to Clare College, Cambridge, to read French and Italian.

Louise Todd, head of modern languages at Queen Elizabeth, said: "This is a wonderful achievement for one of the most talented students I've ever had the pleasure to teach. Matthew really does deserve his place at Cambridge University."

A talented musician and baritone singer, Matthew hopes to join the college choir at Cambridge.