A QUARTET of students from an independent Fylde school were popping champagne corks after winning places at Oxford University.

The four students are in the first year group of the recently amalgamated King Edward VII and Queen Mary School, Lytham, to be taught together in a mixed sixth form.

Mathematician James Green , from Willows Avenue, Ansdell, will start his course at St Hugh's College in October. James, a former pupil of King Edward's Junior School, gained five A Levels.

Jonathan Vernazza, of Walesby Place, Ansdell, will study biochemistry at St Annes College.

He will be joined at St Annes College by modern linguist Krystyna McGrath of Watson Road, Blackpool, while classmate Chris Brierley, a former pupil of St Thomas's School pupil, St Annes, will be reading chemistry at New College.

School Principal Julian Wilde said: "To win a place at Oxford is a great achievement and I am delighted that our first mixed sixth form has produced such encouraging A Level results.

"As well as achieving the highest standard in their academic work James, Chris, Jonathan and Krystyna have contributed to the life of the school superbly, especially in music and drama.

I" am very pleased for them and their families."

Pupils at the Lytham school achieved a pass rate of over 95 per cent in their A Levels.