Two sporty A-Level students including a Team GB water polo teammate have been celebrating after receiving top grades in their examinations.

Friends Ben Alderson of Newton Aycliffe and Tom l’Anson of Darlington are two of thousands of students across the UK who opened those dreaded A-Level result envelopes this morning.

The pair studied for their exams at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form and College in Darlington, and will now move on to two North East universities.

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The Northern Echo: Ben Alderson.Ben Alderson. (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Team GB water polo player Ben received A grades in A-Level history and law, as well as a distinction star in a level 3 sport and leisure qualification.

The 18-year-old, who is on England’s U19 men’s water polo squad, will now go on to study History at Durham University, where he has been awarded a water polo scholarship.

Ben, who has been playing water polo since the age of 7, expressed his joy at the outcome of his examinations.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted with my results and can’t wait to continue my studies.”

Cricket coach Tom l’Anson was also on cloud nine this afternoon when he achieved his grades, cinching a double distinction star in his level 3 sport and leisure diploma as well as a distinction in a level 3 qualification for IT.

The Northern Echo: Tom I’AnsonTom I’Anson (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Tom, who was named QE’s volunteer of the year at the college’s annual volunteering awards for dedicating a staggering 300 hours to voluntary work will now attend Teesside University to study Computer and Digital Forensics.

Tom said: “I am thrilled with my achievements at QE and I’m looking forward to continuing my studies at university.”

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QE Principal Tim Fisher applauded Ben and Tom on their ‘excellent’ results.

He said: “Both young men are fine examples of students who embrace college life and remain focused on their studies while also dedicating hours of their time to sport and volunteer coaching.

“They thoroughly deserve the excellent results they received today, and QE wishes them well in the future – they will be missed.”