TEENAGER Doug Booker took an extra year to complete his A-Levels after his mum, radio star Ali Booker, died during his studies.

But the 19-year-old’s hard work was rewarded yesterday when he got some top grades at King Alfred’s sixth form in Wantage.

Mrs Booker died aged 47 in July 2010 following a battle with cancer.

The radio presenter spoke about her illness in the award-winning Cancer Diaries, which were broadcast on Jack FM.

Her son Doug got two A grades in history, and government and politics, and a B grade in economics.

He said: “It was hard to concentrate sometimes when mum was ill, but she was very supportive and she would have been very proud of me today.

“She had more faith in me than I had in myself, and I am delighted with these results.

“She always knew I had it in me to achieve this – and I have just found out that she got exactly the same A-Level grades as I did.”

Mr Booker, from Wantage, was planning to study history and politics at Brunel University, in London, but, after achieving better grades than he hopes, is instead considering applying to the prestigious London School of Economics.

King Alfred’s assistant headteacher Jonathan Smart said: “Doug has had a difficult time and these results are a magnificent achievement.”

Last year, Mr Booker took part in a charity skydive to raise money for Cancer Research UK and completed the London Marathon in April.