A STUDENT is celebrating after winning £50 worth of shopping vouchers in a geography contest.

Patrick Nash, 16, won the annual award at St Bede's Catholic School and Sixth Form College, in Lanchester.

He was presented with the award, sponsored by Hays Travel, at a presentation night at Consett's Empire Theatre.

He received a shield engraved with his name, which he will keep for a year, as well as the vouchers.

Patrick said: "It feels fantastic. I'm really pleased. I did a study of Lanchester as part of my coursework, including the housing types, the jobs people have and carried out some interviews in the village.

"The people were very friendly. It was great to receive the award at the Empire Theatre."

Patrick said he is planning to continue studying geography when he enters the sixth form at St Bede's.

Head of geography Lee Elliott said: "We generally give the award to outstanding students in years ten and 11 and, according to his teacher, Patrick is that student."