A HEADTEACHER has underlined his determination to improve his school with new projects.

At the annual speech night for St Christopher's CE High School, Accrington, Alasdair Coates also rewarded pupils' achievements, and praised teachers for their hard work.

He explained how a number of projects were being undertaken to improve the school, now a specialist technology college, including refurbishments and new A-level facilities.

Mr Coates also told the audience how the Queen's Road West school had raised thousands of pounds for charity over the year.

He said: "As a church school, our pupils care not only for their own school community but also more widely for others.

"I cannot recall a year in which we have done more for charity than this year. We have raised over £10,000 for others."

During the awards presentation, attended by Mayor of Hyndburn Miles Parkinson, more than 100 pupils received prizes from 50 categories - many named after former pupils and ex staff members. Academic prizes were also given.

The Philip Hanson young enterprise achiever award, named after a 17-year-old former pupil who died earlier in the year from leukaemia, was given to Michelle Parr. The Rotary Prizes, awarded for service to the school, went to Charlotte Presho and Samuel O'Donnell, the Lions award for community service to Claire Heyworth, and the St Christopher's prizes for contribution to school life to Matthew Horn and Naomi Crewe.

School prize for PE went to Kate Halley, and the Walter Booth prize for science was given to Kyle Croft.