A Cumbrian science student got to meet one of the country's most famous scientists, after reaching the final of BBC quiz show University Challenge.

Ben Chaudhri and his teammates from Wolfson College, Cambridge were beaten in the series final by their opponents Balliol College, Oxford.

But after the show was recorded both teams, along with the show's host Jeremy Paxman, got to meet Professor Stephen Hawking at the presentation of the contest trophy.

The meeting followed a nail-biting final in which the Wolfson team had an early lead and a good run of success with starter questions.

Ben scored points for the team with, among other things, a hat-trick of correct answers in a set of bonus questions on people who had given Reith Lectures on the BBC.

But Balliol equalised about two-thirds of the way through the show, with a correct starter question and pushed ahead on the bonuses.

At the final gong, Balliol were triumphant with 190 points to Wolfson's 140.

As the former Cockermouth School pupil's efforts were broadcast on BBC2 on Monday night, his parents, who are both GPs in the area, had a group of friends round to watch.

Dad Fayyaz said: "We were all very impressed with both teams and Ben’s contribution.

"He kept the outcome secret from us so we didn’t know until the bell went. He hadn’t even told us he had met the great Stephen Hawking.

"I hear Twitter was going crazy over the team. I’m sure they won the most hearts.

"Their captain Eric Monkman is a really nice chap with unbelievable knowledge.

"We’re very proud of Ben."

Dr Chaudhri was modest about his input in his son's achievements.

"He does look like me - but gets his brains from his mother," he added.