ALL that is first class about Bolton's school community was celebrated at this year's The Bolton News School Awards.

At a glittering ceremony at the Holiday Inn in Bolton, we honoured the achievements of those people and places who contribute to providing the borough's youngsters with an outstanding education.

The Bolton News School Awards celebrates its third year seeking out the best pupils, schools, teachers and other staff and highlighting the innovation and best practice right across the ara.

Like last year, applications came flying in from around the borough and the judges had a tough time picking out winners.

The evening of celebration saw staff, teachers and pupils collect their awards in 14 different categories.

Opening the ceremony, Maxine Wolstenholme, news editor, said: "The Bolton News School Awards were launched in 2015 and we have been delighted at the positive response they have received.

“The aim of the awards is to celebrate the great work that goes on in schools across Bolton. This involves thousands of people — headteachers, teachers, teaching assistants, support staff and, of course, the pupils.

“I am not from Bolton, I live in Salford. But we have been very fortunate to have been able to send our children to high school in Bolton.

“My son and daughter both went to Canon Slade School. William left in 2016 and Elinor is still in the sixth form there.

“We are hugely conscious of what a massive privilege we have enjoyed as a family to have been part of the Bolton education system over the past eight years.

“And that is not only about the quality of schooling our children have been given, which has been impressive.

“From the moment we went to Canon Slade, we were impressed by the respect and the camaraderie that there is among pupils and staff, especially the way that children celebrate each other’s achievements and look out for each other in the more difficult times.

“I see a whole gamut of stories about schools in Bolton — the serious stuff and the enriching happy stories that we are only too glad to publicise.

“These awards are about adding to that picture, to celebrate more of the fantastic work that goes on in your schools.”

AWARDS Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by Bolton College, the awards' main sponsor: Trevor Pledger.

Secondary School of the Year, sponsored by Scan for Secondary School of the Year: Sharples School.

Secondary School Pupil of the Year, sponsored by Bristol Street Motors: Annabel Flanagan.

Secondary Head Teacher, sponsored by Cole Security: Alison Burrowes.

Secondary Teacher of the Year, sponsored by Bolton Council:Majid Hussain.

Secondary Class of the Year, sponsored by Bolton Sixth Form College: Smithills PE class led by Stuart Sheard-Pearson.

Primary Head Teacher of the Year, sponsored by Bespoke Composite Doors: Vicki Guest of Lostock Primary School.

Primary School Pupil, sponsored by Ye Olde Pastie Shop: Finlay Jarvis.

Primary Teacher of the Year, sponsored by Bolton Council: James Dunn at St Peter's CE Primary School in Farnworth.

Primary School of the Year, sponsored by Surveyroof: St Saviour CE Primary School in Ringley.

Primary Class of the Year, sponsored by Parr Fire Protection Services: Year Six St Saviour's CE Primary School, Ringley.

Teaching Assistant of the Year, sponsored by Unison: Pauline Shepherd at St Peter and St Paul's RC Primary School.

Unsung Hero Award, sponsored by Anthony Axfords: Barry Massey.

Rosehill Nursery for Hayley Mathieson Fundraiser of the Year Award: Jon Moorhouse at St Saviour CE Primary School, Ringley.