SCHOOL support assistant Pat Jones was celebrating today after coming top of the class in a spelling test on national TV.

Pat, 67, of Bridgefield Street, Hapton, beat off competition from three university graduates and two older people to scoop the first prize of £50 and a bottle of champagne on the Richard & Judy show.

She returned to work at Gawthorpe High School, in Padiham yesterday to a round of applause from her class and a merit badge for her efforts.

Pat said: "It was a wonderful day out and a great experience. Richard was wonderful and so down to earth. He came to sit in the make-up room and had a chat and put everyone at their ease."