PUPILS at Clitheroe's Ribblesdale High School Technology College were awarded for their achievements at a special presentation evening.

More than 120 youngsters received awards from guest of honour Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans, ranging from individual subject to form prizes.

Speaking at the awards evening, headteacher Glynne Ward praised pupils for the hard work and spoke of how the school was "meeting the challenge," with 62 per cent of pupils achieving five or more A* to C GCSE grades this year. Ms Ward said: "At Ribblesdale we attribute our on-going success to the quality of learning and teaching -- that which happens in the classroom. The pastoral system, monitoring, mentoring, data analysis, the work of our many support staff in different ways contribute to that process."

She added that classes at the school offered a good atmosphere, with varied lessons from which pupils are attentive and learning; views she is confident will be shared by Ofsted on the next visit.

"Self-evaluation is a welcome addition to Ofsted," she said. "In successful schools such as Ribblesdale we are very capable of being realistic about our strengths and weaknesses."

Ms Ward also thanked school governors and parents for their support and encouragement over the past year.

A vote of thanks was given by head girl and head boy Jennifer Bond and Michael Houghton.