A BOY is celebrating being one of the brainiest people in East Lancashire after passing a Mensa test with an IQ of 157.

Calum Fowley from Livesey, Blackburn, is among the most intelligent one per cent in the UK and the fact that he is only 12 makes his achievement even more startling.

After completing the test in Darwen earlier this month, the former Meadowhead, Blackburn, pupil thought he had failed, because the questions were more difficult than he had expected.

But he passed easily - his IQ is 11 points above the minimum for Mensa membership.

Calum, whose parents say he has been nicknamed "Encyclopedia Britannica" at school, was surprised and thrilled when he received the call from Mensa to say he had passed.

His proud mum and dad say they hope Mensa membership will now help him make the most of his development at his new high school.

Dad Lee, 41, said: "Calum is really chuffed and so are we; we knew he could do it and we are so proud. He had doubts after the test though because he said it really challenged him.

"We hope Calum can benefit from Mensa membership and get some help with his development. It seems to be that if children have special needs and are struggling, there are more resources for them than for really bright children, who tend to get ignored.

"Calum says he definitely wants to get a degree but is not sure whether he wants to join the army or whether he wants to be an architect. He's really mature and he has a good idea of what he wants to do."

Calum said: "I really didn't think I had passed because some of the questions were tough, so I was really shocked when I heard."

Calum's headteacher Tony Hill at Walton-le-Dale High School, said: "This is fantastic news for Calum.

"He has already shown how talented he is and is helping to teach other students. He is a delight to have in the classroom and we will be ensuring he uses his brain to the full!"

Peter Baimbridge from Mensa added:"People with a high IQ are sometimes thought of as odd or different but the truth is it's difficult to tell the difference between them and everyone else.

"There are lots of people walking around today who could be members but who have no idea that they're bright or they're too shy.

"We did really well with the tests in Darwen. Three adults and two children including Calum, were invited to join Mensa."