A RUGBY and guitar-playing schoolgirl received the top prize at an award ceremony for young achievers.

Alice Houghton, 11, of Barrow Controlled Primary School, starred in Clitheroe 2000 Young Achiever awards for 1999.

The event, at the Old Post House Hotel, Clitheroe, was attended by pupils, parents and teachers.

Alice received her award for excellence in music and sport.

She is an accomplished guitarist, plays numerous sports, including rugby, edits the school magazine and is a member of the school drama group. She also mentors children with emotional difficulties.

She received the trophy and cheque for £50 from writer and broadcaster Ron Freethy.

Second was Daniel Leeming, of St Augustine's RC High School, Billington, for his contribution to scouting and sport.

Clitheroe 2000 was set up several years ago to improve the town for the millennium.

Competition judges were Clitheroe Mayor Alan Yearing and Ribble Valley Mayor Brian Collis.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.