A DARLINGTON student has been awarded a first class honours degree from Lancaster University.

Meenakshi Chaudhary, of Ropner Gardens, Middleton St George, graduated with a BSc honours degree in operations management at a ceremony with the university's chancellor, Princess Alexandra.

The former Teesside High School pupil will start a graduate programme in the Royal Bank of Scotland, in October.

Management school dean Professor Sue Cox said: "We are delighted with Meenakshi's result. This is an excellent performance and a reward for her hard work."

At Lancaster, Ms Chaudhary was publicity officer for the Asian Society. The university management school was one of three in the UK to be awarded one of the highest ratings for teaching and research.