SOME of East Lancashire's most talented pupils gathered yesterday for a celebration of their summer school achievements.

Students from Norden High School, Rishton, and Fearns Community High School, Bacup, were among gifted students from across the county who took part in the Lancashire County Council-organised holiday tuition.

Tutors organised projects to challenge the top five to 10 per cent of the ability range in participating schools.

The Summer Schools for Gifted and Talented Pupils were set up by the county council with the involvement of colleges, research institutions and large companies.

A total of 240 pupils from nine schools took part -- thanks to Government funding.

Norden High School pupils completed a project on the history, context and use of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal between Blackburn and Accrington, with the help of Edgehill College, Ormskirk and British Waterways.

Fearns Community High School, Bacup, wrote and acted the opening scene from a 'new' Harry Potter book, including elements of RE, history, art and textiles, science -- and even PE

County Councillor Alan Whittaker, Cabinet Member for Education and Young People, said: "We aim to provide an interesting and challenging education for every child in the county and the children at the top end of the ability range must not be overlooked.

"These excellent summer schools would only have been possible with the hard work of the teachers and the support of community partners, as diverse as the Manchester Giants Basketball team and the Magic Circle."

The celebration took place at the Novotel Inn, Clayton-le-Woods.