A student has proved she means business by achieving some of the best exam grades in the country.

Helen Porteus, from Romanby, dropped only 24 marks out of a possible 1,200 to achieve 11 As and a B for an overall AA grade in her two year AVCE business studies course at Northallerton College.

In a few weeks' time, the 18-year-old will continue her studies at the University of Teesside where she plans to take a four-year BA honours degree in business.

Miss Porteus said: "I was really pleased with my results and would love to go into business administration one day.

"I love all the paperwork and how it relates to the business. I must take after my dad and brothers, who work in offices."

Her father, Trevor, works for the Rural Payments Agency, while her brother, Neil, is finance director of The Deep, in Hull, and her other brother, Craig, works in finance for BUPA.

Northallerton College business studies teacher Jennifer Davies said Miss Porteus was a very committed worker and the advanced level vocational business course helped her to refine and develop skills she would need at university.

Ms Davies said: "The course requires students to research independently, manage their own time and take part in oral presentations. Helen excelled in all these areas and was in the top five in the country.

"We feel sure that she will continue with this high level of achievement at university and wish her well."