Dale Benton

Students across Lincoln collected the all important A-level results on Thursday, making the first steps towards achieving their future aspirations.

Nicola Parker, who collected results in English Literature, Psychology and Biology, is excited about the prospect of starting at the University of Sheffield with one of her close friends: “I’m definitely looking forward to university now that I know I’m in and we’re both going to be together.

“I didn’t choose Sheffield based on the fact she’s going, that just a bonus in the end. I didn’t get the grades for certain other universities but it doesn’t matter as Sheffield was my first choice and I’m in now.”

Jake Smith, who studied English Literature, Psychology and Law at Lincoln College, admitted to feeling some disappointment despite securing a place at Anglia Ruskin University: “Honestly I wanted better in English Literature but I think in my last exam I didn’t do as well as I probably should have.”

Also read: Lincolnshire student success rates at record high

With other students excited at the prospect of going to university, Jake has other plans: “I’m not going away to this year. I have a place at university, but thats for next year ad I’m looking to do an apprenticeship up until I leave.

“I’m annoyed about my English grade but at least I did well in my other subjects and can safely say I have plans in motion for the future.”

Lincoln College had over 450 entrants to A-level this year with a 98% pass rate in total.

Results day can be a joyous occasion for some but not all will walk away with the grades they needed, something that Lincoln College Vice Principal, Gordon Gillespie recognises: “We’re quite pleased overall with full A-level results. We are the largest provider of A-levels in Lincoln and a 98% pass rate is fantastic.

“There are obviously those who’ve done exceptionally well and others who might not have, and for those we will offer help with clearing and offer alternative options.”

A group of Abbey ward residents and volunteers took to the streets of the Monks Road area of Lincoln to tackle the increasing amount of litter in July and are now planning a similar event for October.

Brought together by local Community Organiser Maaike Veenkamp, Action LN2 launched the “Let’s Get Picking” event that saw around 40 local residents give up two hours of their time to remove litter from the Arboretum, Abbey Park and plenty of streets around the Monks Road area.

Volunteers, young and old, gave up two hours of their time to clean up the Monks Road area.

Volunteer and resident Kay Fleming said: “I got involved in this initiative because I wanted to do something positive in an area that I love living which has an unfair negative reputation. I really hope the events we organise helps people to feel more positive about where we live.

“Two of my children are now involved in volunteering and organising, and being involved is having a really positive effect on them and teaching them important lessons about caring about your community.”

The next clean-up event is set to take place on October 12.

Action LN2 decided to push forward with the “Let’s Get Picking” event after enlisting the help and ideas of enthusiastic Monks Abbey School pupils.

Wendy Taylor, a local resident who strongly felt that something had to be done about the litter, said the clean-up was a positive way of tackling the issue: “We hope that by continuing this project we will increase the awareness of the issue and recruit more and more volunteers each time.

“We also hope that by working with the Monks Abbey School primary pupils we can contribute to educating the children and young people at an early age about the issue of littering.”

The next event as part of the project is set to take place on October 12. Volunteer Patrick Roberts said: “Monks Road has improved in so many ways in recent years but there is still much to be done.

“I hope together we can continue to improve and make it an even better place to live.”

To take part and find out more about future Action LN2 events, contact local Community Organiser Maaike Veenkamp on [email protected] or 07860 526553. You can also visit their Facebook page.