Two 21-year-old brothers who earned their degrees in economics created history by becoming the first pair of identical twins to graduate with first class honours from Glasgow University.

Christopher and Stephen Rocks, from Shetland, said they were surprised but delighted to discover they had both got top marks.

The two spent a year at the University of Stockholm in Sweden before they returned to Glasgow to finish their studies. Besides being ace students they are both fencing enthusiasts, pursuing the sport at university as well as at a local club.

Their proud grandmother, Margaret Brady, described them as "the best thing since sliced bread".

Stephen said they shared the same interests and hobbies. And the fact that both chose to study the same subject actually worked to their advantage.

He said: "It meant we could discuss things and share ideas. You hear of identical twins who spent their lives striving to do different things from each other, but we've never really found the need for that."