YOUNG scientist Polly Russell has been conditionally offered a place at Oxford University.

Polly, aged 18, of Biddulph High School, has received the offer on the back of gaining four As at AS Level. She also gained five A stars and five As at GCSE level.

If Polly is successful in gaining As in mathematics, biology and chemistry at A Level, she will win a place at Oxford to study earth science.

She said: "I have always been interested in rocks and crystals and how the inner earth and volcanos work."

Polly, whose parents are in the medical profession, said that after university she would like to go into volcanology or a related profession.

She added: "It would be great to be able to travel with my work."

Polly also enjoys playing musical instruments and has passed Grade 2 in cello and Grade 5 in piano.

Polly's deputy head-teacher Mike Hall has nominated her in the Bright Young Thing category of the Staffordshire Moorlands Awards.

He said: "Polly's offer for Oxford University is the first the school has received for three years. Polly is a high achiever and is an inspiration to other students."

On being nominated, Polly said: "It was quite a shock but it is nice to think I am deserving enough to be nominated for such an award."