A BLACKPOOL schoolgirl has been titled "super student" in recognition of her first class academic profile.

Racheal Gilligan, 16, a pupil at St Mary's Catholic High School, in Blackpool, was presented with the "super student of the year 2000" award in an assembly which was arranged to recognise Year 11 students' accomplishments before they begin their GCSE examinations.

As a keen sportswoman, model academic student and diligent head prefect, Racheal was felt to be the ideal choice for the accolade.

Head of Year 11, Sue McDonald, said: "Racheal has been an outstanding student in every way, and this award pays tribute to all the contributions she has made to school life. We wish her great success for the future."

In the same formal assembly, the tone was lightened with the distribution of some "fun" certificates. Fellow Year 11 student Andrew Chadwick chalked up two alternative awards for "most likely to become famous" and "first to be a millionaire" in acknowledgement of his superior acting skills.