A teen inspired to study the treatment of illnesses after caring for his disabled mum has secured a place - at Oxford University.

Alex Fielden, 18, has won a spot to study biochemistry at the prestigious University College - founded in 1249.

The decision was inspired by his experience of being a young carer for his mum, who has haemochromatosis - also known as bronze diabetes.

The condition has affected her organs, leaving her very weak, unable to work and suffering from agoraphobia and depression.

Alex said: "I wanted to understand what caused this illness and if I could understand them then maybe I could find ways of helping."

"That initially led me down the path of wanting to study medicine but the more I researched the more I realised that it was understanding illness that interested me."

"As a son it hurts you to see your mum suffering so I wanted to do something that would help so I decided to study biochemistry."

Alex is a former student at Earl Mortimer College, Leominster, Herefs., where he says he was inspired by his teachers.

He added: "I did series of programmes like the Brilliant Club where we got to go to Oxford and I really connected with the place."

"Earl Mortimer is such a nurturing environment that it really helped me to thrive and have the belief to chase my dreams."

Alex is currently studying A-levels in Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and Geography at Hereford Sixth Form College, and is predicted A* and As.

The student says he is unsure where to go after university, but is hoping for a career in biomedical research.

Alex's mum, Katherine, 54, says she is "out of this world" proud of her "loving" son."

She said: "Alex grew up in a tough environment, disadvantaged, a single-parent family with disabilities, and as a young carer."

"I knew he was a bright one when he was just eight months. He managed to block the door with a wedge-shaped tv remote to stop me getting in."

"I thought to myself then, we have a bright one on our hands. He has always been shy so it hasn't always been obvious quite how smart he is but it really came to the fore at Earl Mortimer."

"It is such a lovely school. His maths teacher was more upset than me when he graduated, she started crying which set me off."