Fourteen youngsters in custody have obtained level two or above in 56 papers of this year's Diploma of Secondary Education Examination.

The young people in custody are from Pik Uk, Cape Collinson and Lai King Correctional Institutions.

One candidate from Pik Uk Correctional Institution scored the highest result, with 23 marks in the six papers taken and attaining level 5 in Chinese language.

A 17-year-old candidate in Cape Collinson Correctional Institution obtained level 5 in economics, and became the youngest person in custody to meet the general entrance requirements for local universities.

The exams were based on the four core subjects of Chinese, English, mathematics and liberal studies, along with the two electives of economics, and tourism and hospitality studies.

Cape Collinson Correctional Institution Superintendent Chan Siu-hang encouraged young inmates to seize every chance to study and strive for a better future.

He also called on the public to give rehabilitated offenders equal opportunities and support their reintegration into society.