A PROUD headteacher last night paid tribute to pupils at his school during the annual awards night.

Barry Burke, of Rhyddings High School, Haworth Street, Oswaldtwistle, referred back to August 22 when the GCSE examination results came out and said: "For the first time in over 30 years of teaching I was surrounded by students whose only tears were those of joy.

"I normally expect to console those whose results aren't as good as they might have hoped but for once all that could be seen were smiling faces.

"I am optimistic for the future of Hyndburn and I'm particularly confident that Rhyddings will be at the heart of the positive development of Oswaldtwistle."

In addition to GCSE certificates pupils were also presented with 100 per cent attendance certificates, service to the school awards and trophies for excelling in particular subjects.