DARWEN Vale High School has had a positive year with the launch of its family centre and becoming Blackburn with Darwen's first extended school, offering out-of-hours lessons to the community.

But last night it was the achievements of the pupils which were praised by headteacher Lynn Dunning at the school's second prize night in two weeks.

Youngsters from years seven, eight, and nine, were presented with certificates and trophies for their hard work in particular subjects and activities.

They received their awards from guest speaker Tony Coton -- goalkeeping coach at Manchester United and a former England international footballer.

Last night's junior prize evening followed on from the senior prize evening, held last week for year ten pupils.

Mrs Dunning said: "The past 12 months have been highly successful with examination results improving at both KS3 and KS4, and with pupils contributing a great deal to the overall success of the school.

"Their achievements have been outstanding across a wide range of activities at local, national, and international level."

The footballing theme kicked off at the year ten prize night when pupils received their awards from Blackburn Rovers star Gary Flitcroft.

During her speech, Mrs Dunning praised pupils' achievements in the community, youth forum, with the local authority, in sport, and in extra curricular activities.