A former student from Lumen Christi College in Londonderry has received a top award for his scientific credentials.

Zheng Yang Xu was recognised this week for achieving top marks in A-level science.

He was one of three Northern Ireland pupils presented with the prestigious Hans Sloane award.

The award was handed over by guest speaker Sheena E M Lewis, professor of reproductive medicine at Queen’s University Belfast, at a special event at the Ulster Museum in Belfast.

The awards recognise the highest scoring A-level students in biology, chemistry and physics.

The first prize went to Jordan Millar, former pupil of Regent House, now studying mathematics at Cambridge University.

Second prize was awarded to Zheng, while third prize was awarded to former St Malachy’s pupil Conor Toal. Both are now studying medicine at Cambridge.

The winners were commended for their results by Jim McGreevy, honorary secretary of the Hans Sloane Memorial Fund.

He said: “Jordan, Zheng and Conor all achieved truly outstanding A-level results and fully deserve this recognition and our congratulations.

“No doubt they have very bright futures ahead of them and we wish each one of them every success.”

Zheng said: “I’m delighted to receive this award for my A-level science results and am looking forward to further developing my understanding of science at university.”

The Hans Sloane Memorial Fund was established in 1960 to commemorate the life and work of Sir Hans Sloane, a celebrated Killyleagh scientist.