Weaverham resident gives Paxman a run for his money (From Northwich Guardian)

Weaverham resident gives Paxman a run for his money

2:10pm Tuesday 25th September 2012 in News By Emma Rigby

A GRADUATE from Weaverham hopes to put his hometown on the map as he takes part in the current series of University Challenge.

Those who watched the BBC show last night, Monday, will have witnessed 22-year-old Mark Stevens impress host Jeremy Paxman as he and his teammates represented Bangor University.

Having recently graduated with a BSc in environmental science, Mark is joined by team captain Nina Grant, Adam Pierce, Simon Tomlinson, Mark Stevens and team reserve Catriona Coutts.

In their first round of the series, Bangor faced difficult opponents in Saint Andrew’s University from Scotland, running out as winners in a closely fought contest at the final bell.

Mark, who is currently living in Weaverham, enjoys anything to do with the retention of information - including pub quizzes.

“Mark and his fellow graduates used to do a lot of pub quizzes,” said Mark’s grandfather, Brian Stevens.

“The opportunity came up for them to take part in University Challenge from that and it just went from there.”

Brian, who has also had his share of television fame appearing as a member of the ‘We want an Answer’ youth panel in the mid 1950s, said: “I can’t say how far Mark and the team have got as University Challenge have asked the contestants not to reveal the final outcome of the series as not to spoil it for viewers.

“But I can say that I am very proud of this and all of his achievements.”

Tune in to University Challenge on Monday night’s to see how the team progress throughout the series