THIS time last year 16-year-old Tom Black was facing a string of exam fails at Dorcan Technology College, after losing interest in school.

But just two months before his exams began Tom, from Liden, buckled down and began to study.

He is now celebrating a string of A, and B grades and planning to go onto college.

Assistant head teacher at Dorcan Tech. Jane Aplin said: "This is indeed a remarkable turnaround for Tom. We had serious concerns for his future and would never have anticipated grades like this.

"We monitor the use of our IT suite here at Dorcan and in the last two months before exams, even when the students had gone on study leave, Tom was still working hard studying.

"He really is a success story."

Tom added: "I don't know what to do with myself now, people have said imagine what I could have done if I had worked hard sooner but I am just glad I have got where I am.

"I was predicted all Ds, if that so I am really pleased and very relieved."

Star pupil Stephen Bond hopes to go into politics after achieving seven A*s.

The 16-year-old from Liden was expecting at least five so was over the moon when he was told of his extra successes.

He said: "I was told I would get good grades but I am obviously really happy to have the extra A*s."

Young dancer Tiffany Church did just that when she collected her GCSE results.

The Eldene teenager picked up two As in English, A* in business a B in RE and Cs in Science.

She said: "I was told I would get a C in English so I am really happy.

"I don't really know what I want to do in the long run but I will definitely go to college now."

Tiffany plans to celebrate with friends this weekend before enrolling at New College to study business, dance, photography and graphic design.