AMBITIOUS young teenagers are embarking on their mission to be the change they want to see in the world.

Two Bury Grammar School pupils have secured a dazzling set of A-level results, which they hope will be the launchpad for their career in international relations.

For Kate Higgins, it was a double celebration on Thursday as she received an A in French, A* in history and A* in politics on her mother's 50th birthday.

Kate, who has been a pupil at Bury Grammar School since she was aged seven, aspires to be a diplomat.

"I think it is a useful career", the 18-year-old from Rochdale said. "I think in the future it is going to become even more important.

"International organisations are breaking down at the moment, countries like China and Russia are growing in their military strength and energy supplies, so if good relations breach with those countries, there could be serious consequences. I would like to alleviate some of the foreseeable problems."

She added: "I also really want to travel with work and to see the world, which this job would allow."

In September, Kate will begin a four-year course at Selwyn College, Cambridge, where she will read history with modern languages.

To acquire her place, she underwent a grilling application process, including sitting five admissions tests and attending a two-day interview.

She said: "I was really nervous this morning because I did not know what to expect. My personal predictions were so much lower, so it was an extra nice surprise to receive these grades."

Mum Jane added: "This is the icing on the cake. I'm sure we will be opening something sparkling later on."

Meanwhile, Bury Grammar School pupil Aliza Mahmood, also aged 18, is celebrating an A* in geography, A in German and A in economics.

She said: "I'm very surprised with my results. I was not expecting to get those grades.

"I'm really happy to have got into my first choice."

Aliza, who also lives in Rochdale, will go on to study geography at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

She said: "I really want to work for the UN, and specifically in international development; I find human geography really interesting.

"I want to be someone who makes a change in the world."