FORMER Westholme School pupil Diana Vickers was singled out for praise by the school’s headteacher last night at its annual prize giving night.

The X Factor star was a sixth form pupil at the school when she entered the ITV talent contest last year and made it through to the final three.

Headteacher Lillian Croston, speaking of last autumn, said: “Managing the school with over-enthusiastic younger girls who were somewhat star-struck was a pressing demand but no more so than managing the expectations of the sixth form who could have easily lost focus as they spent their time following Diana’s progress and becoming caught up in television crew visits themselves.

“We must somehow have managed to keep them on track – or Diana inspired them – as coll-ectively they produced some of the best A level results in the school’s history.”

She added that it was quite “amazing” that Diana had made her West End stage debut last week, receiving an eight minute standing ovation for her part in Little Voice.

During her speech, Mrs Croston reminded the audience of former and current pupils and par-ents, along with special guest Pinky Lilani, founder of the Asian Women of Achievement Awards, that instant success was something that was “somewhat unique and unusual”.

She said: “For 99 per cent of the population success comes from steady hard work and determination. So follow your dreams and tinge them with reality and keep on working to the best of your ability.”

Mrs Croston also paid tribute last night to Year 8 pupil Sophie Greenall, who died suddenly in November.

She said: “Sophie had the makings of a wond-erful young woman. She was a delightful child with many friends and a loving family.”

Mrs Croston said a wooden bench in Sophie’s honour had been placed outside the school’s swimming pool, which was used by many pupils as a place to reflect and remember Sophie with great affection.