A SCHOOLBOY who earlier this year was diagnosed with a brain tumour was yesterday presented with an award to mark his achievements in maths.

Brett Chapman was one of 18 Year Six pupils from The Chorister School, in Durham City, to win an award in the annual Mathematical Association Primary Maths Challenge.

Brett, 12, was diagnosed with a tumour eight months ago.

Linda Lawrence, the school's head of mathematics, said: "Brett has done incredibly well after his very difficult year.

"This award just shows how much he has achieved and how hard he and all the other candidates have worked."

Brett, who received the silver award at an assembly in the school yesterday, said: "Maths is one of my favourite subjects, but I never thought I would do very well."

His mother, Ashley, said: "He's been through such a lot and has missed so much school. I'm incredible proud as he's never complained, never let it faze him. He just gets on with things."

Two of the school's pupils, Lexy Powell and Peter Lotts, also achieved high marks, which will allow them to enter the national finals of the challenge.