A SCHOOL head spoke of his pride in his pupils as he marked a year of achievement during a presentation ceremony.

Peter Donnelly, head of Fisher-More RC High School, Colne, told students at last night's annual school presentation event: "I congratulate you on being selected and receiving recognition for your efforts in school.

"I am proud of you and your achievements but I want you to remember that you have been given great support by your teachers, your parents and other pupils."

The presentation evening, which was held at Colne Municipal Hall, began with an address by chairman of governors David Carlile. His wife Barbara, who earlier this year retired after spending all her 34-year teaching career at the school, was guest of honour.

Members of the school choir and music groups presented a short programme and there were drama productions by other pupils. The school produced the best results in last year's GCSE exams, with almost 40 per cent of pupils gaining nine or more grades A-C and 51 per cent gaining the same grades in five or more subjects.

But Mr Donnelly added: "Please remember that we are not a school that selects on ability. We are truly comprehensive with the only criteria for entry being based on faith commitment."

He praised the pupils for raising almost £4,000 for charity during the past academic year and for the parents and students efforts in raising £6,500 to equip a new computer network which will come into operation next month.

"It is a great pity that we have to rely on sponsored school events and the fund raising of the PTA to provide what I consider to be basic educational needs," he said.

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