Best friends Emma Bates and Abby Wilson had plenty to smile about after picking up their A level results.

The Barnsley College students, from Royston, have been friends through school and college and have landed their dream places at university.

Emma, 18, who got an A in biology, a B in maths and a B in chemistry, is off to study pharmacy at Nottingham University.

She said she originally wanted to be a doctor but after doing a work experience post at a pharmacy, she had a change in career choice.

"I was relieved and all the hard work I've put in has paid off," she said.

Abby, 18, will be studying just down the road at Derby University.

She got a C in graphic design, a C in media studies and a D in English language and is going on to study illustration.

Abby said she hopes to have a career writing and illustrating children's books.

Catherine Myers, 18, from Grimethorpe, was also happy with her grades.

She obtained a C in English language, a B in media studies and a B in English literature. She will be studying film and media and hopes to be a TV or film producer.

She found out her results yesterday morning and was off to phone her mum  who was on holiday.

Catherine said she was going to celebrate with her friends with a few drinks in Sheffield.