A HEADTEACHER has revealed that her school is thousands over budget and months behind in a project designed to take advantage of its new science college status.

But Katrina Ryan, head at Mount Carmel, Wordsworth Road, Accrington, reassured pupils, staff and dignitaries at an awards night yesterday.

The title was officially given to the school last January, in a visit by Charles Clarke, the secretary of state for education.

Now the school is in the process of constructing a science building and carrying out a refurbishment project.

The funding which comes with a specialist status has also allowed pupils to visit local colleges and universities for special lectures.

But during her speech, Miss Ryan revealed the project has fallen behind and has gone over budget to the tune of £50,000.

She said: "Inevitably this is going to have serious repercussions for other intended projects and the routine maintenance of the building."

The total cost of the development - a new science lab and refurbishment of five others, along with a preparation area - is close to half-a-million-pounds.

The £50,000 needed to finish the work will mostly come from Government funds.

But Miss Ryan revealed there would be great benefits to the students once the work is complete.

She said: "On a positive note students and staff will soon be able to enjoy state of the art learning environments in science all equipped with interactive whiteboards.

"Behind the scenes there is also a much improved preparation area and office accommodation for the science staff and technicians."

Dean Stack Trophy (most outstanding boy in PE) - Richard Worden; Parent-Teacher Trophy (most outstanding girl in PE) - Charlotte Taylor; Sporting Endeavour Trophy - Ian Mitchell; Dominic Sanderson Award (cheerful and enthusiastic involvement within the school) - Paul Burns; AM Foley Shield (consistent effort) - Memoona Mahfooz; Rebecca Robinson Trophy (effort and success beyond expectations) - Nazreen Ali; PTA Prize (best GCSE results) - Melissa Mulhern; PTA Music Prize - Joseph Mugan; Library Award - Memoona Mahfooz; Christine Almond Award (commendable academic progress and achievement) - Matthew Gallagher; St Anne's Parish Prize (contibubution to school's art) - Danielle Nightingale; Agnes Molloy Prize (example, leadership and achievement) - Anja Ford; Jane Greenhough Prize (example, leadership and achievement in religion) - Michaela Duffy; Sisters of Mercy Award (languages) - Natalie Taylor; Sister Mary Magdelene Award (consideration towards others) - Sean Dwyer; Headteacher's Award - Joseph Mugan, Tanya Ward; Good Citizenship Award - Joseph Mugan