LIKE most boys when they are young, Meryck Franklin-Ryan spent ages glued to the television.

But while most youngsters were enjoying programmes like Sesame Street, he was transfixed by Open University.

He was just 11 when he passed his first GCSE exams with straight A grades.

At 14 he had gained two A-levels and could have gone to university, but his mother thought he was too young.

Now aged 16, Meryck, who has five top mark A-levels in physics, maths, computer studies, biology and chemistry, has been accepted into one of the country's most prestigious universities, Imperial College in London.

And his achievements are even greater because for more than three years, Meryck has fought the energy-sapping condition ME, or post-viral syndrome.

To take his exams, Meryck had to obtainspecial permission to stop every ten minutes for a break and be allowed refreshments at regular intervals.

The modest teenager said: "I have just always enjoyed my subjects. It always helps if you enjoy what you are studying. I don't aspire to compete with anyone else."

The star pupil and his family moved from Hastings to Bexhill so he could attend the town's college as he is unable to travel for long periods.

Between studies Meryck also finds time for karate and playing the piano.

He will leave home in October for London where he will begin a four-year degree in physics.

Proud parents Angela and George are now confident their son, who wants to be a scientist, is ready for the challenge.

Angela, a retired primary school teacher, said: "He could have gone when he was 14 but he was too young.

"Right from an early age we knew he was different. He used to sit and watch Open University."

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