WEST Somerset College aspiring biologists Abi Farmer and Laura Chaffey will be honoured at a prestigious ceremony later this year after winning silver medals in the British Biology Olympiad.

Run by the Society of Biology, the international event challenges gifted students who have an interest in biology to expand and extend their talents through a series of examinations.

Post-16 students Abi (pictured left) and Laura (right) both achieved silver medal standards and will receive their awards at a ceremony in London in June.

The medals will be presented by Professor Alice Roberts, star of television series such as Time Team and renowned for her work in paleopathology.

Joshua Fitzgerald, head of post-16 and biology at the college, said he was immensely proud of the girls' achievements.

"We have a very high proportion of our A Level students going on to study science-based courses at university this year.

"Their achievements and participation in these very tough competitions are a small part of the work we are doing to promote the sciences and inspire others to study at the highest levels."

Photo: Steve Quantick