TWO students have just started the sixth form at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn, after becoming the first winners of Ogden Trust Science Scholarships.

Danielle Ormandy from Rishton, a former Norden School pupil, and Feroz Zafar from Blackburn, a former pupil at Beardwood School, achieved excellent GCSE results and are now embarking on their A-level studies, which they hope will lead to them taking a science degree at university.

QEGS was chosen by the Ogden Trust, set up by businessman Peter Ogden, to be one of the first schools in the country to offer the scholarship because of its tradition of excellence in teaching science.

Students must have attended a state school and want to study at least two pure science or maths subjects at A-level to be eligible for the scholarship which assists them with fees and additional costs such as uniform and school trips.

QEGS headmaster Dr David Hempsall said: "We are delighted to offer Ogden Trust Scholarships to bright and motivated pupils like Danielle and Feroz. Their GCSE results mark them out as being high achievers and they can go on to achieve their goals."