A TALENTED linguist is set to follow her dreams as she prepares to head for Oxford University before jetting off to the Far East.

Aimee Molineux has secured a place to read Japanese at the prestigious Pembroke College, after achieving three A grades in English Language, Psychology and German.

The Bury College student, a former pupil of Haslingden High School, also speaks Korean and will spent one year of her degree in the Japanese city of Kobe.

The 18-year-old said: “I have always been interested in the history and culture of Japan.

“I really like languages so I thought I would try something new with my degree. I haven’t really learned much Japanese before, but I have learned some Korean.

“I think that helped me get the place at Oxford, and I do know a little bit of Japanese.

“Last year, I went down for an open day at Oxford and I was lucky enough to get an interview.

“The whole atmosphere of the place was fantastic and all of the teachers I spoke to were really nice.

“I needed three As to get in, so I was so happy when I opened my results.

“It was quite surreal when I opened the letter, I had to read it a good three of four times before I could actually believe they were my results.”

The challenge of starting another new language and spending a year immersed in a completely different culture is one Aimee is relishing.

She added: “I went on the UCAS website first thing in the morning just to check if I had got my place, and it was such a relief.

“My mum was crying when I told her.

“My ambition is to teach Japanese, and as part of the degree I will be going to Kobe for a year to study at the university over there and build up my skills.

“It is really daunting to think that I will be going to Oxford and then to Japan, but I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”