A STAR Astley student has won a prize that will help fund her further education.

Charlotte Grundy who gained for grade A 'A' levels at St Mary's High School Sixth Form has been awarded the Jim Hammond Memorial Prize.

It will help her continue her studies by providing her with money for new books.

Charlotte of Lingards Drive, did her 'A' levels in English Literature, History, Geography and Christian Technology.

She is currently reading English at the University of St Andrews in Fife.

The late Jim Hammond was a Wigan miner who rose to become the President of the Lancashire Area of the National Union of Mineworkers in 1946.

The prize is presented to top performing 'A' level students whose ancestors worked within the deep mining industry.

Charlotte is joint-winner of the award with Wigan girl Jayne Kennedy, a former pupil of the Deanery High School.

Mr Hammond's son Judge Hammond presented the girls with the prize at Wigan Town Hall this week.