A FORMER Astley student has graduated from Christ College, Cambridge, and jetted off to the US to celebrate.

Stuart Peter Benjamin, 21, of Thanet Grove, Leigh, has gained a BA (Hons) 2.1 in computer science and social political science.

The former Leigh St Joseph's and St Mary's High, Astley, schoolboy is now taking a well-deserved break touring America.

Mr Benjamin, who was one of three students from the school who won places at Cambridge in 1998, is expected back in October when he will consider his future.

His parents, Stephen and Julie, said: "We're very proud of what he has achieved. He's gone over to New York and will move on to the west coast touring and working and having a rest from studies."

His interests include computers and music, and his sister, Esther, is currently a sixth form pupil at St Mary's.

His fellow schoolmates, Emily Weir and Suzanne Calder, also won places at the top university, studying engineering and natural sciences respectively.

The school excelled that year with two other students, Katherine Green and Donna Murphy, listed in the nation's top five places in A-level communications studies to the delight of staff.