JUDGES have picked out a borough education outfit as one of the leading lights in tuition for the region.

Nominations came in from across Greater Manchester for The Corporate Livewire Manchester Prestige Awards.

And no category was more hotly contested than than Tuition Group of the Year prize.

Ramsbottom-based A Star Tuition Group walked away with the honours, to the delight of founder Helen Wilson.

She said: "We're absolutely delighted to win this award and are thrilled with our achievement.

"Over the past 10 years we've helped hundreds of children achieve their true academic potential, coaching them to gain excellent marks in SATs and GCSEs or secure places at our outstanding, local grammar and independent schools."

She believes that their ongoing work with youngsters looking to improve on their test scores, and pass entrance exams to the likes of Bury Grammar, Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar and Bolton School stood them in good stead at the Livewire finals, which focuses on the contributions of small and medium sized enterprises.

Judges said that A Star impressed with their "personal approach and high levels of experience which ensures that every child benefits from a solid platform for academic success".

Awards Director, Benjamin Pugh, added: "All winners in the Manchester Prestige Guide have shown an exemplary commitment towards their business with personal commitment to expanding the horizons of the private sector side by side with the image of the city.”

The Ramsbottom venture, which is based out of Brooksbottoms Close, works with children aged from five to 16 and says it offers "tailored learning programmes that suit every child's unique requirements in a fun, welcoming and highly motivational environment".