A WALNEY teenager has reason to smile after overcoming illness to earn a place at the university of her choice.

Scarlett Wright secured a place at Manchester Metropolitan University to study primary education by achieving BCC A-Level results - despite missing time from Barrow Sixth Form College while she dealt with a serious health condition. 

Scarlett was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in May last year. She missed a lot of college and had to catch up with work she had missed while in hospital.

But the 18-year-old managed to complete a travel and tourism A-Level in a year, and help other students as a student law mentor.

Scarlett had been worried on Thursday morning when she missed out on a second B grade by less than a full mark, but the university texted her to let her know she was in.

She said: "I'm so happy I have got my uni place. I've had to work so, so hard.

"Becoming a primary school teacher is the only job ever I've wanted to do. All the great teachers I've had have made me want to do it even more. My teachers have been so good and supportive."

Scarlett has also been nominated for a Golden Apple Award by the college team.

Sue Hannan, one of Scarlett's health and social care tutors, said: “Despite her illness Scarlett kept a big smile on her face, she dealt with a range of medication with quite horrific side effects that affected her confidence and self-esteem at times. 

"Her constant good humour, stoic approach and determination saw her through. In class she was a delight to teach, bright, bubbly and always willing to have a go even on days when she felt unwell."