TWO students who scored the highest marks nationally in part of their GCSE were presented with prizes at a Westminster awards ceremony.

Lee Wade and David Boys studied for a GCSE in construction studies at the Burnley College Link Centre which offers vocational GCSEs.

David is now a Year 11 pupil at Marsden Heights Community College while Lee, a former Shuttleworth College student, is now a plastering student at Burnley College. Lee's excellent marks came in his Unit 1 sustainability and the built environment module, which looks at the use of sustainable materials and environmental design issues in new build projects.

David's achievements came in his Unit 6 building services, which concentrates on plumbing and electrical services. He is now studying for the second year of his GCSE at the college.

The students attended an awards ceremony at Westminster to receive their certificates from the exam awarding body, Edexcel.

Karen Buchanan, head of 14 to education at Burnley College, said: "This is an excellent achievement by two bright young school pupils. It shows the value of our partnership with local schools as the pupils clearly enjoy and appreciate the opportunity of being able to study for GCSEs in many different vocational areas."

Burnley College's Link Centre, in School Lane, has been established in collaboration between the new Burnley secondary schools and the college.