THE achievements of Hyndburn pupils were celebrated when a secondary school hosted its annual awards ceremony.

Former year 11s at Rhyddings Business and Enterprise School were honoured at the event which was staged at the Hope Centre in Oswaldtwistle.

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They were presented with their GCSE certificates, as well as some special awards for the highest achievers and most dedicated students.

Business manager Carmel Cunliffe recounted some of the year group’s highlights over their five years that had been penned by year leader Martin Breckell, who could not attend through illness.

Guest speaker at the event was the recently-retired deputy headteacher Adele Nuttall, who encouraged students to make the most of all of the opportunities currently open to them and look to a ‘life beyond the lamppost,’ a reference to Oswaldtwistle’s ‘Gobbin Lamp’.

Headteacher Paul Trickett also encouraged the students to capitalise on their successes so far and to continue to do their best during the next stage of their lives.

He said: “It’s always great to celebrate the end of an era and mark the start of a time phase for young people. They were a mixed bunch, very positive and hard working.

“It was great that Mrs Nuttall could attend as she retired at the end of the school year and this was her last year group through. It was nice for her to share her memories of their time here.”“Every one of our former year 11 students has a bright future in front of them.”

Several students received individual awards that recognised their effort and commitment to specific subjects.Special trophies were awarded to Charlotte Allonby for her academic achievement during her five years at school, Aaminah Ahmed for her outstanding service to the school and Maizee-Leigh Cryne for commitment to extra-curricular activities.