TWINS are known for their similarities but Sarah and Claire Mahoney have proven to be exact mirror images of each other.

The identical twins from Highfield Avenue, Great Sankey, are both celebrating exam success after each gaining a 1st class hons degree in biochemistry - with their final scores showing just two per cent difference in their overall marks.

But their spooky exam success hasn't surprised their mum and dad too much, the pair, aged 22, both also received identical grade A A-level results in biology, chemistry, maths and general studies.

Before going to university the siblings sat down to decide their courses separately but then found they had both picked to do the same degree at Manchester University. Now both are planning to go on and study a PHD in different branches of life science before going into a career in the scientific research field.

Claire said that the sisters, both former students at St Gregory's RC High School, never planned on having so many similar interests. She said: "It has just always been this way, we both got very similar A-level and GCSE results. We just seem to like the same things. It did make it a bit more special that we both got a first, what was nice as well was that some of our friends also got a first so we could all celebrate together which was great."

The twins mum Julie Mahoney added: "Both me and their dad are really proud of them, they have always been very similar over the years."