AN 18-year-old student who missed out on going to university after his school withheld his A-Level exam results because his fees had not been paid has started up his own business.

Tom Cunningham, a former pupil at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn, is paying £30-a-month to settle the bill of £975.37 his parents couldn't afford.

Tom, of Brunshaw Road, Burnley, said: "I wasn't going to let all this stop me from what I want to achieve in my life, and that's to be successful and to be a millionaire by the time I'm 21. It's my time to show them. At 18 I have my own business and I am going to make a success of it."

Tom teamed up with Kevin Riley, 23, to start-up RC Promotions Ltd, which specialises in corporate leisure, based in Elm Street.

Tom and Kevin have organised their first event at Turf Moor on Saturday, October 23, which will include a speech by former West Ham striker Sir Geoff Hurst a meal and entertainment. For details call Tom or Kevin on 01282 714348.