THE man bidding to be Ryedale’s next Conservative MP has welcomed news that more young people in the area are studying core academic subjects like English and maths.

New statistics show that 37 per cent more students in Thirsk and Malton got five A* to C grades in English, maths, science, humanities and languages – achieving the English Baccalaureate.

Parliamentary candidate Kevin Hollinrake said: “Young people in the Thirsk and Malton constituency deserve the very best start in life.

“That’s why it is great news that the action the Government has taken to improve standards in our schools is paying off locally, with new figures showing 45 per cent of young people in our area are taking upthe subjects which will help them find a job or university place.”