SOME of the country's top grades in GCSEs were picked up in Culcheth, it has been revealed - and all by the same student.

Rachael Southern, from Doeford Close, gained one of the top five marks in the country in history, religious studies and English literature (in that subject alone there were 362,438 candidates.) Overall she scooped 10 A* grades in her GCSEs.

But, the former St Lewis' Primary School pupil doesn't just excel in her studies, as she is also an active member of the Culcheth community. She is a young leader at Culcheth guides, a member of the National Youth Theatre and helps with community fund-raising via the Lions Club.

And the celebrations for the Bolton School student have continued as she also celebrated her 16th birthday last week.