While helping out in a men's retail outfitter, Justin Lestor found a job he felt would really suit - working with figures.

His decision to become a chartered accountant seems to be paying off. For he has come out as one of the top students in important national examinations for the profession.

Justin, 24, a trainee accountant at Horwath Clark Whitehill's Keighley office, has gained an award for totting up third highest marks among scores of students from West Yorkshire - and one of the top 'tallies' across the UK - in the December 1999 TC1 (Technical Core) examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Entrants sat papers on audit, financial reporting, taxation and management information and control.

While studying at Leeds University for a Masters Degree in Strategic Decision Making, Justin took a part-time job at the Leeds branch of a leading men's clothing chain, and he had set his sights on a career in retail selling.

"But I was given some office work and accounts to do and found that I liked it best. I've always enjoyed working with figures and it just came naturally," said Justin.

As well as the Masters Degree, he holds an Honours Degree in Accounting and Finance from Leeds University, and has also achieved top mark passes in five A Levels subjects, three of these mathematical matters.

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