A SECONDARY school in Accrington have celebrated their achievements of the last year with one of the highlights in their calendar.

Mount Carmel RC High School paid tribute to achievements of the last group of year 11 pupils, former staff and also remembered the victims of the Manchester arena bombing in May with its annual awards evening.

Headteacher Xavier Bowers praised the students for their results during the Summer examinations, in particular those students who achieved Grade 9 in English and Maths.

Former site supervisor Peter Stokes was also presented with the ‘Dean Desmond Award’ for more than 20 years of service as site supervisor before he retired at Easter this year.

The guest speaker at the awards was Ian Bagshaw, a lawyer who is an ex-pupil of the school and grew up in Accrington helping on his family fruit stall.

Mr Bagshaw spoke about 'Lancashire grit' and the importance of resilience and determination for young people.

He introduced ‘Dan’s Trust’, a charity created by his family in memory of his brother which this year provided six Mount Carmel pupils funds to follow talents such as singing and writing.

The ceremony saw current Year 11 pupils were presented with subject and role model awards from Mr Bagshaw for good attitude and attainment.

Hyndburn Mayor Cllr Peter Britcliffe attended to hand out awards for achievement and leadership to past pupils including ex-Head Boy and Head Girl Callum Evans and Ambar Siddique.

The school also looked back on the #OneLoveMC campaign which it launched as a result of atrocities in London and Manchester and the school choir performed Oasis song ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’ as a tribute.

Headteacher Mr Bowers said: “It is always one of the highlights of the school calender where we recognise and celebrate the GCSE class of 2017.

"It was a wonderful evening."