WHEN friends Nicola Kerr and Lisa Plews were told they may not be able to take A levels they were determined to prove that they could.

The two 19-year-olds left Wolsingham School and Community College with one GCSE each and the idea of them going on to do A'levels was doubtful.

But the girls remained positive and stayed on at school to complete Intermediate business studies, giving them the equivalent to four GCSEs.

Despite their persistence they were still told that they may not be able to complete A levels.

Lisa, from Tow Law, said: "They weren't sure about us doing A levels and we were put on a trial until Christmas to see if we could keep up.''

Nicola, from Sunniside, added: "We have been through it all, it has definitely been an experience but we definitely wanted to do it.''

Last week when the girls collected their results they were both thrilled to have passed Advanced Vocational Certificates in Education for Business and Travel and Tourism - the equivalent of two A'levels each.

Nicola is now planning to go to do a child care course at Bishop Auckland College, while Lisa is hoping to use her travel and tourism qualifications to work in an airport.