BY the time they get into secondary school, many youngsters have grown old enough to shoulder a measure of responsibility and help those around them.

It’s rare that primary pupils show such attributes – and it’s one of the reasons why Joseph Pim, of Shadsworth Junior School, Blackburn, was unanimously chosen as Primary Pupil of the Year in the first Lancashire Telegraph Schools Awards.

The category is sponsored by Burnley-based Funda, the UK’s fastest growing activity provider for children aged two to 11 supporting parents, teachers, sporting coaches and organisations throughout the year.

Joseph, 10, was nominated by deputy headteacher Nina Ireland who described him as ‘an outstanding pupil’.

“He has beautiful manners and is polite and courteous to all members of staff and children.

“Joseph is a superb role model to all the children in our school through his effort, determination, attitude and warm and friendly personality.

“He is helpful to all whether it be a younger child, a peer or an adult.

“He puts 100 per cent effort into all that he does, whether it is sporty or academic, and through hard work he has made great progress.

“Lots of children look up to him and Joseph has been a good friend to all, an inspiration to others and has been a pleasure to teach,” she wrote.

Joseph is one of six children and has a twin sister, Natasha, who is also at the Arran Avenue school.

His mother Liz said: “He is really good and very keen in everything he does.”

At school, Nina said Joseph had shown a natural ability for sport as well as being academically bright.

“He stays after school for various clubs, football and was in the final of a public speaking competition,” she said. “I sometimes get the impression that if he could roll out a sleeping bag he would stay over at school!

“Even the Ofsted inspectors were bowled over when they spoke to him during their latest inspection.

“He told them, ‘I soak it all up when I am reading a book’. I suppose you could say he is an old head on young shoulders.”