BURNLEY FC’s Michael Duff talked about talent and determination at a ceremony to mark student success.

The Clarets Under 23 coach, who played over 300 games for Burnley, praised students Blessed Trinity Roman Catholic College’s Junior Award Evening.

Speaking at St Mary’s RC Church, Mr Duff, said: "Nights like this are important as the students have worked all year for this and they are getting the rewards they deserve.

“It doesn’t matter what line of work you follow or the subjects you are studying, there is no point having talent if you do not have determination.

“I suffered a number of rejections but I was determined, you have got to stay focused and be proud of when you achieve something.”

The main prizes on the night went to Year Seven Erin Johnson, who got the award for receiving the most merits in the school.

Eleanor Latham was recognised for her outstanding achievement in the UK Maths Challenge where around 20,000 students entered, and Eleanor came third in the whole of the UK.

Year 10 Alice Titley won two awards. The first was for her enthusiasm, determination and organisation in the Duke of Edinburgh category and her second was Contribution to Community.

Alice’s brother, William suffers from Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, a rare genetic condition that causes mainly non-cancerous tumours to develop in different parts of the body.

She has been campaigning, all the way to Parliament, for a cream to help a rash on his face to be available for free on the NHS.

The Specialist College Sports Award went to Lincoln Pope, who is a member of the academy at Sale Sharks RUFC, while runner Nick Hennessey won the Sporting Commitment Award in memory of former teacher Mick Ennis.

The Specialist College Humanities prize went to Zuzanna Kida who enjoys geography, while the Roger Barlow Endeavour Award went to Millie Towers, who has fundraised for the charity Alopecia Awareness.

A whole form, 7B, won the Sarah-Marie Foulds Memorial Trophy for Contribution to College Faith Life.

They raised half of all the charity money collected in the school, holding events such as a Lip Sync battle. The school raised around £3,000 altogether for St Joseph’s Penny.

Headteacher Richard Varey said: “It was a wonderful evening and we have some fabulous children here at Blessed Trinity and we presented the awards to the best of the best.

“It is about showing hard work and determination as well as a good attitude and that will take students a long way.”