EMOTIONS were running high as the best teachers, students, schools and support staff from across East Lancashire were celebrated at the Lancashire Telegraph’s Schools Awards.

More than 150 people attended the awards ceremony held at Northcote at the Rovers, in Ewood Park, Blackburn.

The inspiring evening saw awards picked up from across the age range, with 11-year-old Asiya Patel, from St Stephen’s Primary School picking up best Primary Pupil, while 84-year-old Brian Fagan was chosen as the Volunteer of the Year.

During the event applause rang out around the room as the winners picked up their awards. Some of the loudest came for the truly inspirational Laith Ritchie, who picked up the award for Special School Pupil of the Year.

And there were quite a few tears shed as proud recipients picked up their awards.

Linda Cowie was presented with the last award of the evening, Lifetime Achieve, after spending 38 years as a teacher, the majority at Newfield School.

We received nominations from schools in Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale for the awards.

The judges in each category sifted through to find the eventual winners who were all going the extra mile in very different ways.

Lancashire Telegraph head of content Francesca Winrow said: “It was brilliant to see so many great examples of our wonderful schools, staff and pupils at the awards.

“Our judges had a really difficult task choosing the winners this year and I would like to thank everyone who sent in a nomination.

“For the first time we introduced highly commended certificates because the judges were so torn on who should win. All of our winners deserve a huge pat on the back for their success.

“I hope these awards go some way to recognise the brilliant work going on our schools, day in day out.”