A MIDDLE distance runner turned down a place at Cambridge University so he could take up a place at Princeton in the United States.

James Currah, 18, achieved three A* grades in maths, further maths and physics at Henry Box School in Witney.

He is the fastest middle distance runner at the school and decided the excellent sports facilities at the New Jersey university would mean he could further his sporting and his academic career.

Mr Currah, from Witney, said: “The opportunity to study in America doesn’t come around very often.

“I’m going to relax over the summer and pack and get my visa sorted.

“I’m just relieved I was able to do what people thought I could do and that I didn’t let anyone down.

“It’s really exciting and I can’t wait to get started.”

Henry Box head of sixth form Carl Tysom said: “James is a really nice lad. He is extremely intelligent and he is a great runner. This is going to be a great opportunity for him.”