RECORD-breaking students at Bowland High School last night paid an emotional tribute to a disabled fellow pupil in a show of support which highlighted the school's close-knit community.

At the school's annual prizegiving ceremony, head teacher Maurice Graham led pupils and parents in a tribute to youngster Fiona Johnstone.

The head re-lived the moment when Fiona was given a standing ovation as she took three-and-a-half minutes to complete one length of a swimming pool during a gala.

Mr Graham said: "To see the pupils themselves lead a standing ovation for one youngster during a swimming gala was something special. It shows how close the school community is, and means as much as certificates on paper. The effort and attitude of youngsters is very special."

Pupils were also praised for re-writing the history books at the Grindleton school. Mr Graham singled out students for their academic success -- namely Sam Birtwell for gaining 13 GCSEs and Harry Carnegie for his handful of GCSE A*s, which was better than any previous year. He also thanked staff for their hard work in taking the school to record-breaking success, with more than 70 per cent of students gaining GCSE A to C grades.

And he praised retiring assistant head teacher Barbara Thwaite for 32 years of service.

He added: "That length of service at any school is quite an achievement. She has become the backbone of the school. If you cut her in half, there is Bowland running through her like stripes."

Governors, and members of the Parent Teacher Association, were also praised for their efforts in fundraising for the Specialist Schools Trust.Senior subject prize winners: art Hayley Porter, business studies Jessica Finn, design & technology Michael Newbould, graphics James Ireland, English Katy Osborn, French Richard Brigg, geography Jessica Finn, history Steven Thompson, food technology Debbie Scott, information technology Richard Brigg, maths Sara Coar, physical education (girls) Catherine Bolton, physical education (boys) Jonathan Pawson, religious studies Elizabeth Parkinson, science Michael Newbould, performing arts Melissa Glover.

Alex Walmsley Attendance Award James Ireland (100%) Edward Stockton (100%), David Howard Award for Public Speaking Debbie Scott, Jeniffer Sears Trophy Sam Lund Malcolm Taylor, Michael Phillips Cup Bethany Perkins, Jonathan Parkinson, Helen Driver Award for Performing Arts Mark Graham, John Bollen Memorial Cup Jonathan Pawson, N.N. Crossley Prize for Football Richard Coar, H.E. Crossley Prize for Netball Bethany Perkins Sarah Coar, World of Work Thomas Williams, Merit Award Natasha Wilkinson, P.T.F.A. Prize for Progress Zoe Lightfoot (7), Jordan White (8), Rebecca Aspden (9), Stuart Nicholls (10), Richard King Wilkinson Cup Chloe Thompson, Betty Austin Prize for Best Progress in Yr8 Science Chris Cowgill, The Georgina Award Daniel Aslin, Brennand Cup for English Suzie Hacking, Billy Parker Award Richard Brigg, Peter Ormerod Award for Sporting Endeavour Karen Hanson, Headteacher's Prize Debbie Scott Robert Park, Heber Hargreaves Shield for Headgirl and Headboy Debbie Scott Robert Park.

Junior school prize winners: art Nicola Ashton, design & technology Shaun Hartley, English Nicola Ashton, French Sapphire Brash, geography Alaina Norris, German Ashley Walton, history Richard Wilson, food technology Nicola Ashton, information technology Ashley Walton, maths Alaian Norris, music Laura Cherry/Sarah-Jane Whitehead, physical education (girls) Joanne Green,

physical education (boys) Shaun Hartley, religious studies Sarah-Jane Whitehead, science Laura Cherry.

Certificate winners: Thomas Allen, Barry Atkinson, Fatema Aziz, Cavel Balding, Jennifer Barnsley, Jason Bennett, Sam Birtwell, Stephanie Blight, David Bolton, Sara Calvert, Harry Carnegie, John Chew, Jonathan Clough, Anna Collier, Gavin Collinson, Emma Creighton, Laura Dinsdale, Tim Dixon, Jack Eaton, Sarah Edmondson, Tom Eglin, Robert Fish, Rachel Gott, Mark Graham, Lesley-Ann Grainger, William Green, Matthew Greenhalgh, Ian Greenhough, Robert Gudgeon, Steven Gudgeon, Suzie Hacking, Carlie Hale, Jane Holland, Dawn Hollings, Edward Hosker, Laura Howard, Lloyd Hudson, Karen Ingham, Kayleigh Jackson, Jonathan Johnson, Laurence Jones, Lucie Jones, David Kenyon.

Daniel Lancaster, Hannah Massey, Aaron McGinty, Deborah McGowan, Kayleigh McIntyre, Thomas Moorhouse, Helen Parkinson, Adam Poole, Steven Pratt, Louise Proctor, Mandie Procter, Caroline Redfearn, Charlotte Robinson, Claire Robinson, Lawrence Sayer, Benjamin Scott, Adele Smalley, Jack Stannard, Christopher Sutcliffe, Adam Thornber, Matthew Waddington, Georgina Walker, Emma Walmsley, Edward Wells, Natalie Whittaker, Michael Wood.