PROFESSIONAL sports stars were among guests at a school leavers’ awards night at Witton Park Business and Enterprise College, in Blackburn.

Rovers midfielder Keith Andrews and Mike Watkinson, the former England and Lancashire cricketer, presented the awards.

Both spoke about their careers to students.

Headteacher Gwen Onyon told the audience last night: “Your GCSE results are the best-ever achieved by our school. 98per cent of students gained 5A*-G GCSE passes and 84per cent of students gained 5 or more A*-C GCSE passes.

“Our congratulations to you all, a tremendous achievement.

“I’m sure that you will appreciate you have always been encouraged by everybody at school and by your parents/ carers to do your best to work hard and to aim high.

“You have certainly reached those goals.

“The value that Witton Park has added to your academic achievements during your time at our school is exceptionally good.

"But school life is not just about academic success.

"It is about how we get on with each other, how we respect each other, and how we demonstrate responsibility.”