A DIDCOT student who showed "great resilience and strength" after she underwent extensive treatment for a brain tumour has gone on to secure a place at Oxford University.

Nancy Epton was diagnosed with the tumour in 2009 just as she started Didcot Girls' School.

She underwent courses of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and had several operations, which successfully shrank the tumour.

Yesterday Nancy, now 18, was all smiles as she picked up her A-Level results at Didcot Sixth Form College.

Beaming from ear to ear, she said: "I can't believe I have got the grades I needed to study at Oxford.

"I was a bit worried about my classics exam but the school has been so supportive, especially when I was ill."

Nancy will now study English language and literature at Worcester College, Oxford, after achieving an A* in her extended project, A in English Literature, A* in critical and contextual studies and an A in classics.

She added: "I am really looking forward to being in an environment where everyone is dedicate to their studies.

"Even though it will be an easy commute from Didcot to Oxford on the train I will be staying in halls so I can get the full university experience."

Rachael Warwick, head of Didcot Girls' School, said: "She has just been incredibly resilient and strong.

"She has got a fantastic family but she is just incredible, especially after having a huge amount of time off school when she was critically ill, I cannot think of anyone more deserving.

"It feels like justice."