GCSEs 2017: Yorkshire's inspirational pupil in results joy after bone cancer fight

But for 17-year-old Alice Barfield, today was the culmination of a five-year journey which began when she was first diagnosed with cancer as a pupil in 2012.

The youngster, from Helperby, Hambleton, was forced to take two three years out of school for chemotherapy and surgery during her fight against the bone cancer, osteosarcoma.

But the pupil at Queen Mary's School in Thirsk, now in remission, has remarkably managed to achieve a string of top grades after catching up on missed lessons.

"I'm really pleased with my results," she told The Yorkshire Post.

"It was quite difficult for me coming back to school because there was a gap in knowledge

"I had a reduced time table and didn't do as many subject options as other people took."

In English language and English literature she achieved 9s - the highest grade possible under the new system introduced this year.

The pupil also secured an A in history and a C in mathematics.

Her triumph comes after she achieved an A* in her art GCSE in 2016, following her first year back after treatment.

The inspirational youngster was diagnosed with cancer at just 12-years-old.

She underwent treatment over the next year and was forced to stop her school studies.

But, after having her part of the cancerous bone in her knee replaced with a titanium joint, the cancer returned in her tissue in 2013 before she eventually was given the all-clear and returned to school in 2015.

"Right now I would have been in Year 12," she said.

"My illness causes a lot of anxiety I worry about if it came back and it's added to the stress of the exams.

"Some of the treatment I had made me feel tired and fatigued."

Alice praised her school for the support they have given her during her battle since 2012.

"The school has really supported me." she said.

"I don't think I could have coped as well if it wasn't for the school.

"They have done everything possible to make it easier for me."

She now hopes to study for her A-Levels in subjects including fine art and photography.