OXFORD: A former Oxford Spires Academy pupil has been honoured for her use of English.

Supprina Thebe who left the school this year to go to Oxford Brookes University, was given the £250 award by the English Speaking Union. She will use it to buy course books.

Ms Thebe, who is the daughter of a retired corporal in the Gurkhas and came to Britain aged four, said: “I’m really thrilled to recieve such a generous and helpful award.”

She is the first winner of the award, for school leavers from Oxfordshire state schools.