ST CHRISTOPHER'S CE High School celebrated one of its most successful years - with one student getting straight 9 grades.

Thirty pupils secured at least one grade 9 at the Queens Road West school in Accrington.

More than 80 per cent of the year group gained a good pass in English and almost 80 per cent gained a good pass in maths.

Star pupil Erin Archer gained nine 9 grades, including two in combined science.

Erin will stay at the school's sixth form and study textiles, French, English literature and politics.

She said: "I can't believe I did so well, I'm still shaking.

"I've worked so hard and I'm looking forward to staying on and doing my A-Levels."

Her mother, Devaki Sutton, said: "I am so overwhelmed and so happy for her

"She's deserved it thoroughly.

"She's worked really hard all year and she absolutely deserves every grade she's got."

Michael Stevens, the school's head boy, got three 9s, four 8s and two 6s, as well as an A in further maths.

Michael is also staying on at the school and will study chemistry, maths, physics and biology.

He said: "I did better than I thought I would do.

"It's great to know I've done really well."

Amy Taylor got a 9 in physics and six 8 grades, she is also staying at the sixth form centre to study A-Levels.

She said: "I could not sleep the night before but I'm really happy now.

"I'm not sure which A-Levels I'm going to do yet."

Fred Farnworth, got seven 9 grades and two 8s.

Fred, from Burnley, will stay on at the sixth form and study maths, physics and further maths.

He said: "I am over the moon, I don't know what to say.

"I'm shocked.

"The hard work has paid off massively."

Richard Jones, the school's headmaster, said he was delighted with the year's set of GCSE results.

He said: "At a time of considerable national uncertainty, regarding the ongoing introduction of more rigorous and challenging GCSEs, I am thrilled that our pupils have surpassed our high expectations.

"Taken together the performance of the class of 2019 represent some of the best results in the school's history.

"Our pupils deserve all the praise and acclaim that they will receive and I wish them well, from those who attained at the highest level, to those who made great progress and overcame challenging circumstances.

"They are a wonderful group of well-rounded young people and I am thrilled that so many have chosen to continue their studies with us in the sixth form.

"I also want to highlight the dedication and expertise of our talented teachers who have guided and nurtured them through their time at the school and to thank our parents for their unstinting support.

"These results help to reinforce long standing reputation for academic excellence."