STAFF, students and special guests celebrated a successful school year with an awards night to remember.

Northallerton College staged its Celebration of Achievement event at the town’s Hambleton Forum before a packed audience of current and former students, their families and VIP guests, including the retiring corporate director of Children and Young People’s Services Cynthia Welbourn.

The audience was treated to a night of music, dance and drama as students celebrated their associations with the college.

The evening was hosted by students Christopher Walker, Emily Walker and James Walters, supported by assistant principal Trevor Starkey.

Awards recognised outstanding achievements in academia, music, sport, attitude, community, technology, endeavour and conduct.

Highlights of the year included county and area sports successes, a joint concert with Allertonshire School, nine students about to complete their gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards, the reaffirmation of the college’s international status, a French exchange visit, theatre and arts excursions and a joint geography trip with foundation partner Risedale Sports and Community College, Hipswell.

Fundraising at a summer fete also saw the college raise sufficient money to buy three wheelchairs for disabled children in India.

Miss Welbourn said: “I have been attending prize-givings for a long time and love them.

“I don’t claim any of their success but I do celebrate it.

“I feel confident that I can hand the baton on knowing that no matter how hard the going gets it will be the simple things that matter because children are children and they are precious.”