A FORMER science teacher who worked at Oakhill, in Whalley, for 36 years has been honoured at the school’s annual prize giving evening.

Howard Gray retired from the Catholic private school earlier this year and tributes were paid to his work over the years at the event.

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The school started 2015 with a glowing report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate, when it was given the highest grade of ‘excellent’.

The former year 11 students, who were honoured at the event, also secured 72 per cent of GCSE grades C or above in August.

Mary Bailey, a former English teacher at the Wiswell Lane school, presented the prizes to returning and current pupils in front of invited guests, including the mayoress of the Ribble Valley, Cllr Bridget Hilton.

Head girl Jessica Chatburn welcomed the guests with a speech based on Disney films, song lyrics and literature, trying to convey what an Oakhill education meant to her.

Chairman of governors Tony Baron spoke about the “magnificent achievement” of the LeJog group, which cycled from Land’s End to John o’ Groats, exceeding its £3,000 target to achieve more than £5,000.

Principal Carmel Crouch described Mr Gray as incredibly loyal and faithful.

She said: “Of all the members of staff that Oakhill has had, he will always be the most respected and revered.

“When I ask former pupils, young and old, who was their favourite teacher, the most common response is Mr Gray.”

Head boy Daniel Riding said: “I used to think school was all about getting good exam results, but being here has shown me how important the rest of it is, teaching us values like participation, comradery and good humour, reinforced by the wide variety of extra-curricular opportunities available.”