A STUDENT who lost a finger and badly severed his hand in a tragic farming accident is ploughing ahead with his agricultural studies after securing top grades at A level.

Ripon Grammar School student Will Ashton lost the top of his little finger and cut through the tendons in his left hand while chopping wood on a circular saw.

Despite undergoing two operations to repair his hand, during his A level studies, the 18-year old secured two A*s and two A grades in maths, further maths, chemistry and physics to gain a place at Harper Adams University, Newport, to study agricultural engineering.

Will, of Leyburn, who was born into a farming family, said: “I caught my little finger on the saw and it continued to cut into the next two fingers and across my palm.

“Luckily for me it’s now healing well and it was my left hand so being right handed it didn’t impede my studies too much - despite missing a few lessons for physiotherapy.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the grades I’ve achieved and really pleased to be going to Harper Adams University to study for a career path which I know I’ll enjoy.”