EAST Lancashire's students again had reason to smile with the majority of our A-level centres trouncing national pass rates.

The biggest success story came at Burnley College, with its students recording a 100 per cent pass rate like last year.

Every student got at least a grade E at A-level or its vocational equiv-alent - the AVCE.

Principal John Smith said: "I am very proud of them all. The key is excellent teaching, close individual support and an orderly environment."

Nationally, students recorded a rise in passes for the 24th year in a row, with the pass rare shooting up from 96.2 per cent to 96.6 per cent.

Blackburn College was also all smiles after seeing its overall pass rate increase from 97 per cent to 98 per cent this year and 80 per cent of its pupils achieved a 100 per cent pass rate compared to 70per cent in 2005.

Head of sixth form Paul Gerrard said: "We are absolutely delighted and our sixth form centre has every reason to be proud."

Nelson and Colne College matched the 98 per cent pass rate it recorded last year.

The college had more A-level students than ever, with 620 exam entries in 33 subjects, a 20 per cent increase on last year.

Principal Dr Alison Birkinshaw said: "This is the third set of A-level results since I took over as principal and each year the results have got better. I am incredibly proud of all students and staff for their commitment."

St Mary's College, Blackburn, also did better than the national average, recording a provisional 98 per cent pass rate - slightly down on the 98.8 per cent pass rate from last year although some results are yet to be finalised.

Principal Kevin McMahon said: "It is really pleasing. There have been outstanding individual performances, with a significant number of students gaining straight As.

"But we shouldn't forget students who have come into college with the minimum entrance requirements and have gained three or four passes at A-level or equivalent."

With a 96 per cent pass rate Burnley Sixth Form Centre, at Habergham High School, was just under the national average after enjoying a two per cent increase from last year.

St Wilfrid's High School and Technology College, Blackburn saw its pass rate increase from 97 to 98 per cent and its percentage pass rate at A and B grades improved by nineper cent from last year, to 38 per cent.

Head David Whyte said he was "delighted".

Blessed Trinity RC College in Coal Clough Lane, Burnley, only started its A-level provision this year and made an impressive start, with pupils achieving a 100per cent pass rate at AS-level.

AS levels are completed in 12 months and, although they are a qualification in their own right, are usually combined with A2s taken in the second year to make an A-level.

Fee-paying Queen's Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn, was the only other centre that failed to beat the national average, returning an overall pass of 95.4 per cent.

However, it would have eclipsed the national picture with a 98.4 per cent score if general studies results were excluded.

Principal Dr David Hempsall said: "Though this was not the strongest year group academically, the vast majority have worked hard and overall I am well satisfied with the grades they have achieved."

Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School achieved a 98.4 per cent overall pass rate, the same as last year.