ST GEORGE'S High School in Marton held its annual prize-giving ceremony recently to reward outstanding effort and attainment by pupils.

David Lund, assistant director of education for Blackpool Borough Council, joined governors, staff, parents and students in the school hall for the presentation.

And the headteacher of Stanley Junior School, Mr Peter Higgins, was called upon to present awards to pupils in Year Seven who have got off to a flying start.

The idea of inviting a head from a local primary school signals the close relationship between the two schools, and pupils look forward to welcoming back one of their "old" headteachers each year. The awards are supported by the Rotary Club of Blackpool Palatine whose members interviewed shortlisted pupils and selected the winners on the basis of the interviews.

Rotarian Barry Seedhouse said the interviews were the gateway to the awards, and described them as "a gruelling test of skills and nerve."

There were four main winners, one for each year group, and the trophy for the overall Pupil of the Year went to Year Ten pupil Liane Savage for her level of attendance, her attitude and extra curricular activities. She was named head girl and fellow Year Ten pupil Christopher Hall was named head boy.

Headteacher Elizabeth Warner said: "It was an exceptional night. A large number of people attended and it makes me extremely proud of what it says of our school and its progress."