PUPILS, parents and teachers packed into Smithills School hall for the annual awards evening.

This year, the school has introduced a new motto: "Creating Our Future - A Quest For Excellence."

Headteacher John Lawson acknowledged the outstanding contribution to the school of more than 80 students who received a Quest for Excellence Award for their attitude and efforts.

Pupils from years eight to 11 received their awards from Brian Shaw, deputy director of Education and Culture at Bolton Metro.

He praised the students' commitment in a school which he said has achieved excellent examination results this year and is set to make substantial progress over the next few years. STAR STUDENTS: Smithills School pupils are pictured above with Brian Shaw, the deputy director of education and culture, Brian Shaw; John Lawson, Smithills headteacher, and Ian Carter, chairman of governors