A RADCLIFFE teenager is celebrating after earning a spot at a prestigious American university.

Georgina Dooley will move to the US in August after accepting an offer to study mathematics at Yale University.

The former Holy Cross College pupil, who is a keen rower, was approached by the Ivy League university's recruitment coach in recognition of her sporting prowess.

At the tender age of 19, Ms Dooley has already won a string of major honours, including becoming a double British rowing champion in her age group, as well as a Henley Women's Regatta winner.

Ms Dooley, who lives in Far Hey Close, took up rowing several years ago, and has devoted herself to the sport ever since.

She represents Salford-based Agecroft Rowing Club, and is currently involved in a rigorous winter training programme in a bid to achieve full international honours this year.

Long-term, she ambitions of performing in the Olympics, and has set her sights on Los Angeles in 2008.

After being approached by the university, she was invited to visit last April, and later received a formal offer, which was conditional on her meeting stringent academic entry requirements and achieving excellent A-level grades.

She duly delivered these in August when she achieved grades of AAB in maths, geography and further maths.

Ahead of her move to the US, Ms Dooley said: “I am really excited, I cannot wait to start.

"I am nervous but it is the same for everyone moving away to university.

“The university certainly put a lot of time and effort into keeping in touch, and providing support, making sure I met their academic and admissions criteria, and even arranging a special orientation week prior to the start of term to help international students such as myself make a successful transition.”