SEVEN students from a top East Lancashire school have been offered places at Oxford or Cambridge universities this year.

Dr David Hempsall, head of Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn, said he was extremely pleased at the students' success.

The school usually sends at least five students a year to Oxbridge.

"It is an important part of the QEGS tradition to send able students to Oxford and Cambridge and I congratulate all seven on their success," he said.

"The experience we have at QEGS of the entry requirements for Oxbridge has once again proved valuable to our sixth form students."

Anikethana Appaji, 17, of Chorley, will follow his older brother Abhisara to Oxford to read medicine at Oriel College, provided he achieves two A level passes. This is the minimum entry requirement and it is rare for a student to be given such an offer. Anikethana, who is studying biology, chemistry, pure maths and applied maths at A level, said: "It certainly is a big boost to me that an Oxford college felt able to make such an offer. It means I can plan for my future with confidence." Head of school James Shoesmith, 17, of Higham, has been accepted to read law at Queen's College, Oxford after taking exams in French, German and politics.

The five others have been offered places at Cambridge.

Omar Ahmed, 17, of Darwen, has been accepted to read law at Trinity College. He is currently studying biology, chemistry and maths.

Darrell Newman, 18, of Burnley, has also been offered a place at Trinity to read maths after sitting exams in chemistry, pure maths, applied maths and physics.

Karim Ladha, 17, of Brindle, has been offered a place at Selwyn College to read natural sciences. He is studying biology, chemistry, maths and physics.

Alan Russell, 17, of Blackburn, will carry on his studies reading maths at Homerton College after completing his exams in chemistry, maths and physics.

Alastair Atkinson, 19, of Haslingden, has successfully applied to read classics at Trinity Hall. Alastair, a former deputy head boy and captain of the 1st XI rugby team, took a "gap" year off after gaining four As in A-levels last summer.