LANGUAGE ACE: It was félicitations for 11-year-old Holly Stear, pictured, who was awarded an A* grade in GCSE French.The bi-lingual youngster spent five years living in the Dordogne area of France until her family moved back to Norfolk last year.

LANGUAGE ACE: It was félicitations for 11-year-old Holly Stear, pictured, who was awarded an A* grade in GCSE French.

The bi-lingual youngster spent five years living in the Dordogne area of France until her family moved back to Norfolk last year.

Holly, who now lives in Long Stratton and is set to attend the local high school next month, said she was thrilled with the result and plans to continue her language studies.

She said: “It was a bit of a shock really. It was sort of easy except for the last paper, which was a bit complicated. I really enjoy French and would like to study it at A-level.”

Holly's mother Kate said that she and her husband Craig were very proud of their daughter.

She said: “When Holly was five we took her to live in France. My husband works offshore so it doesn't matter where he lives as long as he is close to an airport. We came back in April last year and Holly settled into Long Stratton junior school.

“Because she is completely bi-lingual we thought she might as well do the French GCSE and get it out of the way. She took it all in her stride and we are very proud of her.”

Mrs Stear said that Holly's teachers had been very supportive and that rather than repeating her French studies when she attends the high school her daughter would learn German.

Picture: STEVEADAMS