YOUNG whizzkid David Xu might have been disappointed when he only achieved a grade C in his A Level maths.

But the ten-year-old was delighted to be one of the winners at the Pride of St Helens awards in recognition of his achievement.

David, a Merton Bank Primary School pupil, had prepared for his A Level exams with lessons at Cowley High since last Christmas, which involved sharing a classroom with students several years his senior.

He had his passion for the subject instilled into him by his dad Peter, who runs the Acupuncture and Chinese Medical Clinic on Vincent Street with wife Lily and moved to St Helens seven years ago.

David, who now has his sights on gaining a place at Oxford or Cambridge, put the award down to his dad’s influence, with Peter having taught him maths since he was three years of age.

“My dad has been very influential and he has helped me the whole time through this, although sometimes he lets me do fun things too!” he said after collecting his award on Friday night.

“I feel brilliant, I’m really shocked about winning this. And I’m sure my family are very proud too.”