GIRLS came out top of the class when they received their A-level results this morning.

And many students across Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale had reason to celebrate today, with schools and colleges boasting some of the best A-level performances ever.

Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammer School students Sally Chadwick, of Crawshawbooth, Jenny-Lee Crozier, of Todmorden, and Lisa Mark-Bell, of Whitworth, each gained five grade As.

The Rossendale school recorded its best ever A-level results with a 96.9 per cent A to E pass rate -- 564 passing out of the 582 entries -- and a 48.8 per cent A and B pass rate.

Twenty-six students achieved the three or more passes at grade A, and nine students are on their way to Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

Headmaster Martyn Morris said: "Although this was an able year group their hard work and the dedication of the Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School staff have yielded results beyond their wildest dreams."

Nelson and Colne College students scored an overall 93 per cent pass rate, just one per cent lower than last year.

SUCCESS: Rachel McGlaulin, Jonathan Crossley and Samira Rostampour who all got 4 As at Habergham High