WEST Somerset twins Alexandra and George Howes enjoyed a double celebration when they came of age on Valentine's Day.

In addition to reaching their 18th birthdays, the twins from Minehead heard that they had both been offered places at top flight Cambridge University.

And the teenagers were quick to praise their teachers' guiding on the path to success during their entirely state-educated school life.

Alex and George both attended Timberscombe First School before moving on to Minehead Middle School at the age of 13.

From there they went on to take GCSEs at the West Somerset Community College, only parting company when they embarked on their A-level studies.

While Alex remained at the college, George moved to Richard Huish College in Taunton and both are now working hard to achieve the grades needed for Cambridge.

Alex is hoping to study physics at degree level while George has chosen history.

The twins said: "We would like to thank Timberscombe and Minehead schools for providing us with such a good foundation for our education and the West Somerset Community College and Richard Huish for all their support with A-levels and our applications to Cambridge.

"The interviews at Cambridge were horrific and very scary but they can't have gone too badly in the end!"

Their mother Claire, who works for local charity Somerset Sight, said: "We are obviously thrilled that Alex and George have been offered places at Cambridge but are not counting our chickens yet as they still need to get all the A*grades required.

"But it is a lovely 18th birthday present for them to have had the offers."