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Eighteen-year-old Jacob Bryan erupted with joy after landing his place at university, putting him one step closer to achieving his ambition of becoming a volcanologist.

Jacob, from Ystrad Mynach, received his A-level results on Thursday August 15, achieving an A*, an A, and a C in geography, maths, and physics.

The Coleg y Cymoedd pupil will now head to Portsmouth University in September to study Physical Geography.

Growing up in an active family who would regularly go out hiking together, Jacob has a passion for the outside world, spending the last 12 years in the Scouts.

Now a scout leader, Jacob runs weekly sessions for groups aged between ten and 14.

With skills in abseiling, archery and axe throwing, he is also an explorer leader and will be taking part in the gold Duke of Edinburgh next week in Snowdonia, which will involve walking 42 miles.

Looking ahead, Jacob would like to work in research, studying volcanoes or meteorology before moving into teaching.

He said: “I’d love a career where I can travel the world, exploring and being outdoors which is why volcanology appeals to me so much.

“I also have loved working with young people as part of the scouts so I’d eventually like to be a geography teacher and inspire the next generation.”