THE FORMER headteacher of Parrenthorn High School was guest-of-honour at the school's annual prize-giving night.

Mr Arthur Francis, who retired last Easter after 16 years, was praised for influencing the lives of thousands of children, including those who received GCSE certificates on the night.

Current headteacher Mr Mick Fitzgerald said of Mr Francis: "He took the school from the brink of closure to the success it is today."

Mr Fitzgerald spoke of the school's successful bid to become a specialist technology college which was announced after Mr Francis had left.

He said: "The first person to telephone to congratulate us was Ivan Lewis. The first person I telephoned was Mr Francis as it was his efforts, not mine, that had achieved this success."

Mr Fitzgerald also thanked Mr Lewis, MP for Bury South, for his efforts, as the bid was made possible through a government grant, and he was the evening's second special guest. The pupils themselves were also praised by Mr Fitzgerald, for their academic and sporting achievements

He said the school was to undergo some major improvements in the coming year, including a building project that would take Parrenthorn's intake from 134 to 161 to meet the demand for places.

Mr Fitzgerald said: "I hope this increase will mean that families in this area will be able to send their children to their first choice school clearly I hope that choice is this school."

Mr Fitzgerald took the chance to appeal to Bury LEA, local councillors and Mr Lewis for their support in the scheme to expand as, despite a £400,000 government grant, the project was still short by £400,000.

He said: "I hope they do not let us down in our hour of need. These are exciting times for this community and I urge those in power to do all they can to support our plea for financial support."

The Heywood Road school is also hoping to build a new £400,000 all-weather pitch through the Government's New Opportunities Fund. The facility, if their bid is successful, will benefit the whole community.

Mr Fitzgerald concluded his speech by thanking his teachers and staff, parents and governors.

He said: "I have worked with some excellent teachers over the past 25 years and I have to say that the staff at Parrenthorn are among the very best I have ever worked with.

"I am very proud of all of my staff and it is not only a privilege, but it is also a pleasure to be their headteacher."