THE agonising wait finally came to an end for A level students across the borough on Thursday.

There were tears of happiness, and a few of disappointment, as students picked up their results from local schools and colleges.

More reports and results round-up

It was another year of celebrations at Bury Grammar (Girls) where the pass rate of 100 per cent surpassed last year's record of 99.6 per cent. Nearly three-quarters of the passes were at A and B grade, with many extra passes at A and AS level.

Among the successful students was Natalie Woolley, of Sergeants Lane, Whitefield, who scored three As and will go to Nottingham University to read economics.

She said: "I'm just really happy and relieved to have done so well because I really needed those grades for my course."

Across the road at the boys' school there was a 99.2 per cent pass rate with 62.5 per cent graded A or B.

Eighteen-year-old Whitefield student Omar Ahmad, who will study medicine in London, said: "I didn't know what to expect, but once I saw it I was relieved and ecstatic."

At Holy Cross, the results were hailed as the best the college had achieved.

There was a call to the principal's office for seven students at the college, where an overall pass rate 99 per cent was achieved with half at A or B grade.

The chosen few had all managed five grade As and were informed in person by principal Mike O'Hare.

Mr O'Hare said: "I am absolutely delighted with these superb results, they are without doubt the best the college has achieved."

Paul Knowles (18) of Beeston Grove, Whitefield, gained As in media, law, English language and general studies and a B in history. He said: "I was thrilled beyond belief and am still really happy. It's a dream come true."

Paul, who wants to be a writer, will study creative writing at John Moores University.

Among the stars was budding space scientist Alex Calverley, of Ennerdale Drive, Unsworth, who described himself as "over the moon" with five grade As. He said: "I'm just really happy and sat in stunned silence for a minute or two at first."

Alex is heading for Durham to take up a place reading physics with astronomy.

Matthew Monaghan (18), of Stanley Avenue, Prestwich, was planning to take up his politics degree at Nottingham University after securing three As. He said: "I'm just so excited and pleased."

There was joy at Bury College where the pass rate just topped the 96 per cent national average pass rate at 96.1 per cent. Principal Helen Gilchrist said: "This is an achievement of the distinctive sixth form ethos at Bury College where all students are challenged to achieve or exceed their target."