WESTHOLME prize night was given a "gold" theme last night as the principal took inspiration from this year's Olympics.

At the annual prize-giving at King George's Hall, Blackburn, Lillian Croston said watching the Athens Games had made her proud of the award-winning achievements at the school.

She praised pupils for their academic achievements at A-level and GCSEs - nearly a quarter of Year 11 pupils came away with 10 A* or As.

GCSE pupils Clare Erskine, Clare Kane and Catriona Jones came in the top five candidates in the country in history, geography and French.

At A-level the proportion of pupils gaining A and B grades was also up on last year at 70 per cent.

And the school celebrated being awarded Sportsmark Gold from the British Sports Council.

Mrs Croston said: "It was great to experience the euphoria when British competitors were victorious in the Olympics.

"But as I watched I couldn't help thinking how lucky I am to work with so many talented young people and teachers who, like, the athletes, are constantly striving to do their best and improve their performance.

"Our students have excelled in many fields - academic, sporting, theatrical and socially. We have won many medals this year."

A record number of pupils signed up for Duke of Edinburgh Awards this year with 27 going for gold and one group climbing to the top of Mount Toubkal in Morocco.

The prizes were presented by ITV News presenter Katie Derham.