NUMBER-cruncher Kathryn Wesley has proved she is one in a thousand, or to be more precise 75,000, after achieving one of the top GCSE marks in the country in Maths.

But the road to success has been a long one for Katie -- because despite hailing from Bromley Cross she goes to Westholme School in Blackburn.

Throughout her school career Kathryn has caught a coach to the neighbouring town each morning.

"I heard about how good the school is and really wanted to go there," she said.

"I don't mind the journey and it seems to have paid off."

Katie, who went to Walmsley CE Primary, says she has always been keen on numbers and has proved it by coming among the top five in the country for GCSE Maths out of more than 75,000 candidates.

"I was fairly confident I would pass the exam but I never thought I would do so well," she said. "I jumped for joy when I found out."

Kathryn is now staying on at Westholme to take five AS-Levels, including Maths and Further Maths.

And eventually she hopes to put her numerical skills to good use as either a Maths teacher or banker.