STAFF and pupils from Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Blackburn were celebrating this week after hearing a former pupil has been appointed High Sheriff of Greater Manchester.

Sir Netar Mallick, who was a pupil at the school from 1947 to 1953, has been appointed to the prestigious post for 2002-3.

Currently physician in charge of renal medicine at Manchester Royal Infirmary and a professor of renal medicine at the University of Manchester, Sir Mallick returned to the school last September to present prizes in the annual prizegiving ceremony.

Development director Phil Lloyd said his success was an inspiration to current pupils.

"I think it can be an inspiration to current pupils that somebody from their school went on to become something like that.

"We have had former pupils who have achieved in all sorts of areas.

"He has been very successful and it is nice that he is happy to keep in touch with us.

"We try to keep in touch with lots of ex-pupils."