TWINS Laura and Rachel Swan, aged 16, were top of the class when they picked up their GCSE results.

Laura's result of nine A* and one A earned her top place at her school and her sister's exceptional result in her English literature exam was one of the top five marks in the country.

Laura said: "I was surprised. I thought I had done well but not this well. I can't believe I am the highest achieving pupil this year."

Rachel added: "The stress levels in the house were quite high but we supported each other when it came too much. It helped that we were both going through it at the same time. But getting your results makes all the hard work really worthwhile."

The girls are both pupils at Westhoughton High School.