MATHEMATICAL marvels prove two really is better than one after scooping conditional places at the best universities in the country.

Identical twins Carl and Niall Bootland, 17, from West Common Lane, Scunthorpe have each been offered a place at Oxford and Cambridge where they will study among some of the best mathematicians in the world.

Although delighted about their wonderful achievement, it means the pair will go their separate ways for the first time as Niall has accepted an offer from Cambridge and Carl has said 'yes' to Oxford.

Niall, who studies maths, further maths and physics, said: "This is the first time Carl and I will have been apart.

"We obviously went to primary and secondary school together and we chose a couple of the same subjects at college.

"We have always asked to be in different classes though so that we could make our own friends rather than just being - 'the twins'.

"It will be a bit strange, however, not seeing each other everyday."

Niall said the pair are both extremely excited about their new endeavour.

"I am really exciting about going to university in September.

"Carl and I looked around Oxford and Cambridge together and it was just coincidence that I preferred Cambridge.

"It is a really nice place."

The brothers are both expected to achieve grade As in their A-level exams this summer which will secure their university places.

Carl who studies further maths, chemistry and physics, said: "On one hand I feel quite happy that we are going our separate ways.

"But I guess I will miss him."

The twins are two of eight John Leggott students who have been offered conditional places at either Oxford or Cambridge universities.

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