Seventeen-year-old student Rachel Clutterbuck is believed to be the youngest person to have passed exams set by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

Rachel, a sixth former at Knowles Hill School, Newton Abbot, was only 16 when she sat the exams in journalism and the handout after completing a journalism course at Coombeshead College. The exams are normally taken by graduates.

She said: "I'm over the moon, extremely pleased and surprised!

"For a long time I have had an interest in journalism which I wish to pursue in the future."

Rachel, (pictured), did work experience at the Herald Express newspaper and has had her work published in local and national newspapers. She is studying for her A-levels, and applying to university, with Oxbridge among her choices.

Head of journalism Sue White said: "Rachel did exceptionally well in passing these two exams at her first attempt. She is the youngest student I have ever had to pass them at the same time."

Coombeshead College is the only place in the country where students can take the exams from the age of 16, and the NCTJ said they believed Rachel was the youngest to achieve such success.

Journalism is not Rachel's only interest. She is a member of the National Youth Theatre and a passionate judo player. She is also a talented drummer, and is about to take her Grade 8 exam before Christmas.

Rachel, who is going to Greenland next year to take part in research for National Polar Year, said she intended to build her portfolio of published work before going to university and was hoping to gain work experience on a national newspaper.