FIVE students at a Darlington college are celebrating after winning coveted places at the prestigious Oxbridge universities.

Competition for entry to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge is increasingly intense, particularly for students who have studied in the state sector.

Bosses at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, in Vane Terrace, are extremely proud that five of its students have won places for Oxbridge courses starting in September.

Louise Goodall has been offered a place at Oxford University to study modern languages.

Tom Wilson, Gemma Holgate, Andy Page and Michael Jones are going to Cambridge to study social and political science, English, Russian and engineering respectively.

Michael, who lives in Sedgefield, said: “I’m really excited. It was a rigorous process and to get an interview was great, but to get an offer is even better. I was hopeful, but didn’t expect it.”

Principal Tim Fisher said: “I am delighted with the success of our Oxbridge candidates and the range of disciplines that they are going on to study.

“They are talented individuals who have very much benefited from a broad curriculum.

“There is no doubt that they will continue to be highly successful and make a mark on their chosen professions.’’