TWO pupils were honoured for their courage at Woodhey High School's annual presentation.

Rick Panter was awarded the Paul Cunningham Memorial Cup for Courage and Jason Blackledge received the Unsung Hero Shield.

Both pupils gave first-aid treatment to fellow pupils who had been seriously injured in accidents.

Rick, now a student at Holy Cross College, used his first-aid skills when Ashleigh Hesketh-Hall was involved in a road accident after getting off the school bus.

Jason kept calm and helped Daniel Tonge who fell from a swing rope and landed face down into a stream. He then raised the alarm.

Mrs Pam Burrow, the school's deputy head, said: "Both were thanked by Ashleigh and Daniel who also handed over their awards."

The achievements of the past 12 months both in and out of the classroom were also highlighted during the event.

Headteacher Mr Martin Braidley told the assembled guests: "I may be stating the obvious by saying Woodhey is a very successful school due to several factors."

These, according to Mr Braidley, were the pupils who have "a genuine commitment to learning"; "committed and highly dedicated" staff; the partner primary schools; parents; and the governing body and local education authority.

"I am determined to take Woodhey to even greater heights in the future and I hope that with the continued support of the people mentioned about the goal will be realised and we will enjoy many more evenings like this to celebrate the achievements of our pupils," said Mr Braidley.

However, there was no praise forthcoming for the government funding of the local education authority.

"In real terms, Woodhey could be among the worst funded schools in the country. The LEA and its senior officers are working hard to press the Government to remedy this situation but progress seems to be slow.

"The schools in Bury are delivering excellent results and a broad, balanced and relevant education to all their pupils while having their hands tied behind their backs in terms of poor funding."

Mr Braidley added: "It is totally unacceptable to hear the Bury's schools do not need more funding because they are already achieving above the national average in terms of results.

Awards and certificates were presented by Michael O'Hare, the principal of Holy Cross College.