Shropshire twins win the same award at different universities

A pair of twins with a joint passion for science and true crime have won the same award, while studying the same degree at different universities.

Harry and Molly Key, 21, from Craven Arms in Shropshire, both pursued degrees in forensic science.

They have now won the Chartered Society of Forensic Science student award at their respective universities - Anglia Ruskin and Worcester.

Ms Key said: "For us, being the top student in each university, and for us to be twins, it's a big achievement. I definitely think we made our mum proud."

The pair, who grew up in Shropshire and went to state schools including Hereford Sixth Form, were given the award at their graduations.

Ms Key, who studied forensic science with biology at the University of Worcester, said: "It's rare for twins, for both of us to be basically doing the same degree.

"For each university that offers the accredited course, they get to nominate one person – so it's only about 20 or 30 students each year that receive this award."

Mr Key studied forensic science at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge.

He said he was thrilled with the award and his degree had really inspired him.

"The thought of actually helping someone out, doing something useful in a future career – I'd rather that than anything else, to be honest," he said.

"The degree is the sort of thing where you can help someone out when they're at their lowest."

Their mother, Elizabeth Casson, said she was over the moon.

"It was incredible. These two young people have worked so hard to achieve the grades that they've got," she said.

"For them to be recognised and put forward for an award, and for them both to get it – it's just unbelievable.

"I'm just so proud, I'm so proud of them both."

While the pair have mirrored their academic success so far, their plans for the future differ.

Ms Key is in the process of joining West Mercia Police, while Mr Key is heading off to study a masters degree in toxicology at the University of Birmingham.