A BRIGHT Leominster teenager has won a place at Cambridge University to study medicine after being inspired by the medics who looked after a sick relative during the coronavirus pandemic.

Lily, who will be the first person in her family to go to university, became interested in medicine when volunteering with homeless charity Vennture in Hereford.

The 17-year-old said she is now "chomping at the bit" to get started after the heroics of the NHS staff who looked after her great uncle after he was admitted to hospital with coronavirus.

"Lots of people think it is strange to want to be in the middle of something like a pandemic but I am just really chomping at the bit to get started," she said.

"I think if you want to be a doctor and you see people who need help you just want to get in the middle and do your best to be of use.

"My great uncle had to go into hospital with the coronavirus and it was because of those doctors and nurses and the support they provided that he recovered.

 "It has also been incredibly inspiring watching the scenes on the television of what these immensely brave people in the NHS are doing every day. I can't wait to be one of them."

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She went through a rigorous selection process which included an entrance exam and a virtual interview to win a place at the prestigious St John's College, Cambridge.

The former Earl Mortimer College student still needs to score top grades in her biology, German, maths and chemistry A Levels at Hereford Sixth Form College to confirm her place.

She was predicted A* and As but now face an anxious wait with exams regulator, Ofqual, yet to decide how grades will be awarded.

Lily thanked her teachers at Earl Mortimer and Hereford Sixth Form for giving her the confidence to chase her dream.

She added: "It is really important that young people are ambitious for themselves and their futures. At Earl Mortimer College and at Hereford I was taught to strive and to aim high.

"I am now on my way to my dream career and that is thanks to my amazing teachers. If I can do it then others can too."

Earl Mortimer College headteacher Alison Banner said: "As a school and community we are extremely proud of Lilly's achievement.

"Her success is a marker for the young people of this school of what can be achieved with ambition, aspiration, hard work and belief. We wish her the very best for her future career."