OUTSTANDING achievements of south Cumbrian students were celebrated during their school's 59th annual speech night and prizegiving ceremony.

Dr Paul Williams, head of Cartmel Priory CofE School, expressed pride in past and present students for both their "academic successes and personal qualities".

Year 11 students that left in June returned to receive their GCSE certificates and a range of other awards.

Joe Rawcliffe received the Canon Thompson Cup, awarded to the scholar for the most outstanding achievement in academic work, achieving two Grade 9s, one Grade 7 and seven A* in his GCSEs.

Lydia Dobson was presented with The Edna Marland Award for the outstanding all-round pupil, achieving eight A8 and two A grades in her GCSEs, and for her significant contribution to school productions and music.

Lydia also received the William Wilson Memorial Prize, voted for by her peers.

Stephanie Gardiner was awarded the Deputy Headteacher's Prize for the most significant contribution to school via the Student Council.

Any Shepherd, outgoing head girl, was jointly awarded the Headteacher's Prize with Joe Rawcliffe in recognition of senior student duties. Amy also received The Howcroft Nurture Award in recognition of her kind and caring support to pupils in all year groups. Cameron McMullen was presented with the HWH Watson Rose Bowl for services to school and Jess Walmsley, outgoing deputy head girl, received the Community Service Award in recognition of her services to both the local and wider community.

Jack Addison was awarded the School Attendance prize for not having a single day off in five years.

Current pupils also received awards for attainment and progress in each subject. There were prizes for pupils with 100 per cent attendance and the form with the best attendance over the year was 7SF.

Pupils who completed the John Muir Explorer Award, an outdoor programme focused on discovering, conserving, exploring and sharing wild spaces, also received awards.

Dr Williams gave an overview of Cartmel Priory's academic successes in 2016-17, describing it as one of the best performing school's in Cumbria.

"We are very proud of you, not just for your academic successes, but for your personal qualities, support for the school and your respect an care for each other.

"Tonight, you represent not just yourselves, but the whole student body and it is a pleasure to be able to recognise your many different talents and achievements."

The prizes were handed out by James Higgins, group editor at the CN Group, who also gave a talk to the gathering.