BECOMING one of the top performing specialist schools in the county was one of the achievements applauded at Haslingden High's award evening.

Headteacher Eve Challiner paid tribute to the year 11 pupils who contributed to the specialist arts college's accolade by chalking up the best exam results in its history, with a 100 per cent pass rate in 23 out of 28 subjects.

She tolds the awards evening: "Our results have improved significantly over the past three years, confirming our position as one of the leading schools in Lancashire, and in the top 25 per cent nationally.

"I have been asked what the factors are behind our success and I believe that, first and foremost, the students themselves have made a tremendous effort and have demonstrated great self-motivation and a strong work ethic."

She dismissed the suggestion that exams have become easier, and drew attention to the hard work of staff, who are "dedicated to working with students to ensure that they achieve their potential - and very often beyond."

Looking to the future, the school now plans to raise money to improve its sports facilities by building a floodlit Astro-turk park and new changing rooms.