GENEROUS students at a Blackburn high school have raised more than £15,000 for charity in just one year.

And youngsters at St Bede's RC High School are also sponsoring children in developing countries to make a better life for themselves.

The pupils were praised by headteacher John Challoner at the school's annual prizegiving ceremony.

He also lauded the children's outstanding academic, sporting and charitable achievements at the annual event.

The headteacher had particular words of thanks for the Year 11 students who helped raise £15,000 for various charities during the year, including money to sponsor two youngsters growing up in developing countries.

As well as achieving the school's highest GCSE pass rate, Mr Challoner paid tribute to the young sportsmen and women who excelled in the fields of football, rugby, netball, hockey, badminton, swimming, cricket, basketball, athletics, rounders, ice skating and cross country.

He said: "The success of all these individuals here tonight is a credit to the qualities instilled in them by their parents who have supported the school's efforts to develop well-rounded human beings."

Other highlights picked out by Mr Challoner included the Duke of Edinburgh activities which students took part in, and trips to Arran, France, Spain, Auschwitz in Poland.

Blackburn Rovers' Italian defender Lorenzo Amoruso was on hand to present the awards at the school which has specialist sports college status and strong links with the club.