Top class student

Ruth received the third place award in recognition of her A-Level Science results.

She is the second teenager from Eglinton to achieve success in the awards in recent years - in 2009 former Foyle College student, Matthew Nicholl, who is now studying physics at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, won a first prize at the Hans Sloane Awards.

Ruth was one of just three students to receive awards this year under the scheme, which recognises the highest scoring A-Level students in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

First place went to Olivia Burke who is studying Medicine at Cambridge University; second place was awarded to Jennifer McBrien who is completing a degree in Medicine at the University of Dundee.

The awards were presented by guest speaker Professor Sean Gorman, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences at Queen's University Belfast at an event at the Ulster Museum.

The winners were commended for their outstanding results by Dr Jim McGreevy, Honorary Secretary of the Hans Sloane Memorial Fund.

He said: "The Hans Sloane Awards highlight the academic excellence which exists across Northern Ireland's schools and the dedication of individual students, who achieve the highest standard in their chosen subjects.

"Olivia, Jennifer and Ruth are an inspiration to all students progressing to A-Level and they are very deserving winners. The Hans Sloane Memorial Committee and I wish them continued success as they complete their degrees at University."

Ruth who is currently studying Medicine at the University of Edinburgh said: "I'm thrilled to have received such a prestigious award for my A-Level science results and am now looking forward to completing my degree in Medicine."

The Hans Sloane Memorial Fund was established in 1960, to commemorate the life and work of Sir Hans Sloane a celebrated Killyleagh physician, scientist and collector.

This year's awards mark the 350th anniversary of Sir Hans Sloane's birth.