Northern Ireland’s top four science students have scooped prizes in one of the province’s most prestigious academic awards.

Matthew Nicholl, Peter Forrest, Kevin Cassidy and Emma Wilkinson were presented with the Hans Sloane award after achieving the top four ‘A’ Level marks in Northern Ireland in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The successful quartet were described as “outstanding young academics” by award organisers.

Matthew, who studied at Foyle & Londonderry College, achieved the highest aggregate marks in Northern Ireland in ‘A’ Level Biology, Chemistry and Physics and was presented with the Hans Sloane medal and £200. He is currently studying Physics at Lady Margaret College, Oxford.

The second prize, £150 and a Hans Sloane certificate, was awarded to Peter Forrest from Newtownards, currently studying medicine at Queen’s University.

A joint third prize, also a certificate and £100, went to Kevin Cassidy, from Omagh, who is now reading medicine at Queen’s University and Emma Wilkinson, from Banbridge, also studying medicine at Queen’s University.

“It is a pleasure to recognise Matthew, Peter, Kevin and Emma for their outstanding academic achievements in the sciences,” said Marshall McKee, Honorary Secretary to the Trustees of the Hans Sloane Memorial Fund.

“Their successes cannot be underestimated. The Hans Sloane award is in place to applaud young achievers, as well as highlighting the importance of continuing Northern Ireland’s proud history of educational excellence.”

Established in 1960, the Hans Sloane Memorial Fund was founded to commemorate the life and work of notable Killyleagh physician, scientist and collector, Sir Hans Sloane.