Hope Rutterford was “beaming” with pride as she received her GCSE results at Felixstowe Academy.

Hope, who has had cerebral palsy since birth, achieved GCSEs including grades 5 and 4 in English and A in health and social care.

“I am lost for words to describe how I feel,” she said. “I am so happy. We had a good time in lessons.”

Hope’s mum, Kirsty Aberdein, was filled with admiration for her daughter.

“When Hope was born it was touch and go as to whether she would survive, but now she has her GCSEs and is planning to take a business course in September.

“It just goes to show that from humble beginnings Hope has been able to achieve great things. She already has a business plan in mind, so I can’t wait to see what Hope achieves in the future.”

Hope’s key worker Paula Birchall added: “Hope’s hard work had paid off.

“She brings so much joy to those around her and I am also very proud of her.”