ONE student from Pleckgate High School is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his father and study medicine.

Daniel Dalal, who plays football for Blackburn United under 16s, secured a top grade in Maths as well as an A* and six As and a grade 8 in English Literature.

He said: "My dad Ismael is a diabetic specialist for children in Blackpool and he has inspired me to follow a career in medicine.

"I am still unsure about which way I want to go in medicine –whether it’s a doctor, a surgeon or something in the community but I know I want to help people."

Halima Zaman has no medical background in her family, but it’s her dream to find cures for diseases.

Halima celebrated A*s in chemistry and physics and top grade 9 in English literature and maths.

She said: "I am just really interested in this type of work and Pleckgate has helped develop my love of medicine."

Meanwhile Ammar Rehman wants to go into civil engineering after achieving six A*s, a top grade 9 in maths and 8 in English Language and Literature and.

He said: “I am overwhelmed and speechless. It’s a lot better than I expected."

The Lancashire Telegraph Secondary School of the Year saw 19 students pick up the new grade 9 in maths - equivalent to a A**.