PUPILS and staff, past and present, along with parents and governors joined to celebrate the silver jubilee of a Rossendale school.

Woodhey High, Bolton Road West, Ramsbottom, held its awards evening last night.

Headteacher Martin Braidley said much of its success was due to the foundations laid by ex-principal and guest of honour Frank Bennett since its opening 25 years ago.

Mr Braidley also said the biggest event had been the Ofsted inspection in April, which deemed the school "effective and provided a very good quality of education."

He said: "We are delighted with this overall endorsement of our performance, which bodes well for the future. I must thank everyone connected with Woodhey for putting in such a tremendously positive effort."