A HEREFORD Sixth Form College student battled against the odds to get three A-levels.

Lucie Rawlins, who suffered with depression and anorexia, managed to secure an A* in psychology, an A in biology and a B in economics.

The 18-year-old from Hay-on-Wye will now be studying biomedical science at Durham University.

"I missed four months of college and I thought there was no point in carrying on," said Lucie.

"But the college was so supportive and adjusted my time tables, which meant that some days I just did a half day."

Lucie added that she now wants to make mental health issues more accepted in society.

Overall, 60 per cent of students achieved an A*, A or B grade, above the national average, with 28 per cent being an A* or an A.

Yusuf Abdallah, George Brandram-Jones, William Edwards and Anna Gunther all had five A grades, while James Moruzzi and Jack Doyle both gained four A*'s.

"I got up at 6am and found out my results then," said Jack, who will be studying chemistry at the University of York.

"I was not expecting to get four A*'s, so I was pleasantly surprised."

James achieved his perfect grades in further maths, maths, physics and chemistry.

He will now be off to Bristol University to study aerospace engineering.

"I have always been interested in cars and I really like Formula 1," said James.

"After my degree, I want to do something with cars or even aeroplanes."

Meanwhile, the college's student governor achieved two A*s in biology and philosophy and an XXX in chemistry.

Kate Baker, 18, from Pontrilas will be enjoying a gap year before studying medicine at the University of Sheffield.

"I want to do psychiatry when I leave because I'm really interested in mental health," said Kate, who helped organise the college's summer fete this year.

Principal Jonathan Godfrey said he was delighted with the results.

"Students continue to achieve grades which compare with those in the top independent or selective schools," he said.

"Our top 100 candidates gained a staggering 92 per cent A*, A or B grades and 68.4 per cent A* or A grades, while students of all abilities gained significantly better grades than they would be expected to achieve on the basis of prior performance at GCSE."