PARALYMPIC hero Zoe Robinson returned to her roots for Radcliffe Riverside High School’s annual prizegiving night.

For the former pupil was able to catch up with teachers and pupils as the guest of honour at the special event.

Zoe, who won a gold medal with the boccia team at the Paralympic Games in Beijing, presented awards to pupils during the ceremony at Radcliffe Civic Suite.

She was joined by Ron Mollard, president of Radcliffe Rotary Club, who has been working hard to forge links with the school.

Pupils from both the upper and lower schools, parents, staff and governors attended the ceremony on Thursday last week.

Executive headteacher Diana Morton praised the hard work of the students, who all achieved at least four A* to C grades at GCSE.

Mrs Morton said: “We have so many young people here tonight who deserve your undivided attention, admiration and congratulations. The spotlight will be on them and we are very proud that they are continuing the traditions of Radcliffe Riverside.”

She added: “These successes have enabled a large number of well-educated, successful young people from Radcliffe to move into higher education, training and employment in the wider world and we are very proud of them.”

Mrs Morton also paid tribute to the ‘hardworking, dedicated and committed’ teaching staff at the school and thanked the governors, council officers, and other partners for their support.

Prizes were then given to pupils from all year groups in the school, with special awards given to some of the most outstanding pupils.

The inaugural Tom Johnston memorial award was given to Alex Rigby in recognition of the significant progress he had made.

Mr Johnston was a well-known garage owner, member of Radcliffe Rotary Club, and school bus driver before he died in April. His wife, Brenda, presented the award in his memory.

A special prize was also given to Zoe Robinson for her sporting achievements. Mr Mollard handed her the Ernest Kay award and a bouquet of flowers on behalf of the rotary club.

The evening included a performance by Mikey Morley, who won the school’s ‘Radcliffe’s Got Talent’ competition, and a speech by Colin Jones, chairman of governors.

A vote of thanks was given by the head boy and girl, Simon Doodson and Nicole Uren.

Special award winners

Sportsman of the year, Sean Thirlwall; sportswoman of the year, Nicole Mooney; award for contributions to the school media team and the Urban Vibes project, Ben Hardman, Oliver McDaid and Alicia Shanks; Anne Haynes trophy awarded by the learning support department, Isabella Wood; Gerald Colin trophy for public speaking, Alicia Shanks; Colin Jones trophy for outstanding contribution to school business links, Liam Child; Pat Jones trophy for services to the school, Coletia Peach; Chris Stant trophy for outstanding achievement, Siobhan Pimlott; Brian Griffiths trophy for outstanding contribution to school life, Alicia Shanks; Arthur Scholes trophy for service to the community, Oliver McDaid; Bill McGrath trophy for positive attitude to school life, Ben Thompson; Arthur Colleran trophy for academic excellence, Shaun Kittrick; Tom Johnston memorial award for progress, Alex Rigby.