AN 18-YEAR-OLD student received a boost days before he left home for the first time when he learned he had received one of the highest exam marks in the country.
Ian Elliot, of Blackhill, Consett, received a letter from examiners informing he had achieved the third highest marks in the country in his B-Tec in travel and tourism.
Ian, who left home on Monday to attend Leeds Metropolitan University, will receive a prize from the Association of British Travel Agents at a ceremony next month.
The student attended New College, in Durham City, and was the only male in his class.
His mother, Sylvia Elliot, said: "We are all very proud of him. The ceremony in London will be on a steamship, and he will be able to go on the London Eye, so he's really looking forward to it."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article