Former Cockermouth School pupil Ben Chaudhri has helped his college reach the quarter finals of television quiz show University Challenge.

Ben appeared on the BBC programme for the second time yesterday, alongside teammates from Wolfson College, Cambridge.

The physics student and fellow students faced questions from Jeremy Paxman on everything from chemical elements to the 14th century queen of Poland, Jadwiga.

Growing up near the Scottish borders paid off for Ben when the team was asked what variety of apple shares its name with a rugby club in the Scottish borders. His answer, gala, secured bonus points for the team.

The Wolfson team beat Jesus College, Cambridge with 225 points to 140.

The win followed a much tighter victory in Wolfson's earlier appearance, in September, when they beat London’s School of Oriental and African Studies on the final question after holding them to a draw at the bell.

Ben, who grew up in Dovenby and Bridekirk, is in his second year at the college.

His parents are both GPs in Cumbria.

His dad, Dr Fayyaz Chaudhri, said: "We are very proud of Ben, who has always been very interested in natural science and has a great thirst for general knowledge. Cambridge has provided him with a stimulating environment for learning."

Ben, who has had a lifelong interest in science and has done pub quizzes at The Kingfisher in Cockermouth, said after the team's first appearance: "The college hasn’t had a team on University Challenge since 2004 so this year we were very fortunate to get on

"I thought it might be fun to give University Challenge a shot.

"We felt our match was nail-biting to play and have been chuffed by the audience reaction. Our captain seems to be a fan favourite in the series so far.

"It was interesting to get a behind-the-scenes look at the recording."

This week's show is available to watch on BBC iPlayer until January 4.