HIGH performing students at Witton Park High School Business and Enterprise College, Blackburn, have been told to "keep their dreams alive".

The call was made by acting headteacher Gwen Onyon at the Buncer Lane school's annual prizegiving evening ceremony, which salutes outgoing pupils' achievements.

Mrs Onyon paid tribute to the pupils at the school, rocked by the exit of former head Heather Jamison, who resigned amid a yet-to-be completed audit investigat-ion in the summer.

After seeing results match last year's 59per cent pass rate at A to C - seven per cent higher than the borough average, Mrs Onyon told pupils: "As the result of your efforts and the hard work of your teachers and those who have supported your learning, our school has done well."

But she said it was not just academically, that the students had shone.

She added: "As a year group you have done fantastically well in so many ways. Yours is the first year group to organise a hugely successful and enjoyable leavers' ball. It was a tremendous evening.

"Also, as a result of your drive, energy and enthusiasm you have raised a considerable amount of money for a variety of charities.

"You have also been at the forefront of successful enterprise activities, as the school has developed its role as an enterprise college.

"We can be what we want to be - keep your dreams alive, work hard but also enjoy life.

"Take from it what you can but don't forget that we can all gain so much by supporting each other, challenging and encouraging so that we can fulfil our aspirations."

All the major award winners were 16 and from Blackburn. They were: Steven Anderton Award: Matthew Mercer; Headteacher's Award: Head girl Hanna Mulla; Governors' Awards: Nayab Hussain and Habeeba Mulla; Sport Prize: Scott Young; Science Prize: Kirsty Gudgeon; Capita Prize: Amber Raven; East Lancashire Tile Company Prize: Kirsty Doody.