A former Norton Knatchbull student has told of his excitement at winning the final of television quiz show University Challenge.

Luke Kelly, 24, was part of the winning team from Manchester University who beat Pembroke College by 180 points to 135 in the series climax that was screened on BBC2 on Monday night.

It was Manchester’s third victory in seven years.

Luke said, second right in the picture above, said: “It felt great to win as it was a tense match and a national competition.

“I think Manchester teams had reached the semis for something like the last 10 years, so it wasn’t totally unexpected but it was still a big deal to get that far and very exciting.

“Other students have been very enthusiastic and generous about the whole thing.”

Luke, second from right in the picture above, and his team-mates were presented their winners’ trophy by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, at a ceremony held at Clarence House – the official residence she shares with Prince Charles.

“The association with the monarchy wasn’t ideal for any of us, but Camilla was very friendly and did her best to put us at ease. The ceremony was fun and informal, and we are grateful for being given the opportunity to compete on the programme.”

Luke was born in Ashford in May, 1987, and attended the Rainbow Nursery in Hythe road from the age of three before moving up to St Mary’s Primary School.

He gained his GCSEs and A-levels at the Norton Knatchbull before studying for his Batchelor’s and then Master’s degrees in History at Manchester. He is currently studying for a PhD in History at the university.