TALENTED scientist Richard Hibbert is one of only five students in the UK to win a sought-after education grant.

The grant will help the 22-year-old to study for a Doctor of Philosophy in structural biology with the Wellcome Foundation.

More than 50 of the country's top graduates applied for the grant, and Richard was selected after a rigorous profiling exercise.

He comes from Berkshire Drive, Congleton, and has just been awarded a first class degree by Brasenose College, Oxford.

He will remain in Oxford to study biological systems on a molecular scale, searching for cures for cancer and diabetes.

Richard, pictured above, attended King's School in Macclesfield, whose head of chemistry was thrilled .

"Richard always excelled at investigative work, and everyone in the department wishes him well," said Kris Stutchbury. Photo supplied.