A schoolgirl with dreams of becoming a scientist is heading to Oxford University after bagging top A level grades.
Olivia Bourne, known as Liv, grew up in one of the most deprived parts of Oldham and will be the first person in her family to go to university.
Liv, 18, scooped two A*s in biology and chemistry and an A in Maths, securing her place at Brasenose College, Oxford to study biochemistry this autumn.
The bright youngster hopes her success will encourage other kids of poorer backgrounds to aim high and apply for Oxford or Cambridge.
Liv, a former Newman RC College pupil, said: "I had never really thought about university until I was in year 10.
"I remember visiting Oxford and thinking that people like me didn't go there.
Read more of today's top stories here
"I grew up in Fitton Hill and I suppose that was character-building.
"It wasn't until I went to a summer school at Oxford that I thought it could be somewhere for me to apply.
"My family have never put any pressure on me or anything like that. The pressure has only come from myself really.
"My mum is a single mum and she's so proud of me. She got me some Oxford pyjamas to celebrate!
"I'm the first one in my family to go to university and I can't wait."
Liv, who moved to Oswaldtwistle two years ago, completed her A levels at St Mary's College, Blackburn.
On results day she proudly shared her incredible results on social media after spotting the hashtag #goingtooxford.
She wrote: "Over the moon that I’m #GoingtoOxford , from one of the most deprived areas with no one else in my family to go to university, and the hardest two years of my life. I am so so happy!"
The 18-year-old was then inundated with good wishes and questions from other youngsters thinking of applying to Oxford.
"It was overwhelming really," says Liv.
"I remember seeing that hashtag last year. It was surreal writing it but I was really proud of myself.
"I had so many people from Oldham and Lancashire message me asking me loads of questions about it.
"I really want to help change attitudes about who should and shouldn't go to a university.
"Some people think Oxford isn't achievable but if you're intelligent enough it is."
