A YEAR of academic success and achievement was celebrated at Dallam School's annual presentation of awards.

The principal guest was Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools Chris Woodhead, who presented the prizes and also spoke about what makes a successful school.

Vice-chairman of the governors Robert Meacock told parents, pupils, teachers and friends that the governors and senior staff would be "bursting with pride" to see students pick up their awards.

He also praised head teacher Alan Mottershead for his achievements during the 18 months he had been in the post, and said he had taken over what was already a good school with a passion to make it "the best school in the county".

Mr Meacock also asked for support for a £200,000 fund-raising appeal for a massive renovation programme, and a new arts, science and technology building.

If the school could reach that target, the local education authority and the Department for Education and Employment would give Dallam £1.4 million, which Mr Meacock said was a fantastic return on their investment.

Mr Mottershead recalled his memories of the year, and mentioned academic achievements which included A-level results which put Dallam among the top 30 comprehensive schools in the country, according to the Guardian newspaper.

The reunions of old pupils of Milnthorpe Secondary School and Heversham Grammar School had been "real joys" he said.

Mr Mottershead also mentioned the wide range of activities through the year, including more than 2,500 adult education exam entries, a full boarding house, and £800 raised for Beaumont College in Lancaster.

And he paid tribute to the late Graeme Hornby who was killed in a car accident, saying the school missed his "bounce and energy".

A sense of belonging was very important at Dallam, said Mr Mottershead, and added that the fact that people were known as individuals was an "enormous strength" of the school.

"We have a desire to move ahead strongly in academic terms, to be challenging among the best, and if we can and where we can to be the best," he said.