A CHARITY is celebrating after getting its best set of exam results ever for its alternative education programme.

Consett YMCA has been once again working with year 11 students outside mainstream education from the schools across County Durham.

A total of 24 full and part-time youngsters have gained 18 Bs, 30 Cs, 12 Ds and 15 Es.

Consett YMCA chief executive Billy Robson said: “I would like to say well done to all staff for their hard work and the pupils for buying into the YMCA programme to achieve the excellent grades they did.

“We would like to say a big congratulations to all our year 11 pupils and a big thank you to all of our feeder schools across the county for all of their ongoing support.”

Cameron Charlton, who achieved the best results overall, had struggled with anger issues while attending Tanfield School, near Stanley.

He got two Bs, two Cs, two Ds and an E and has started a motor vehicle course at Gateshead College.

His mother Joyce Charlton, who is a councillor with both Stanley Town Council and Durham County Council, said: “The YMCA programme has been very important for Cameron.

“Because of his issues at Tanfield School his education there would have ceased if they had not taken over that very important role.

“It has been absolutely superb.”