COMIC Peter Kay was forced to cancel a guest appearance at his former Farnworth school due to filming commitments.

But that did not stop youngsters at Mount St Joseph's High School, Greenland Road, receiving their summer school achievement certificates.

Margaret Blenkinsop, the council's director of education presented 55 pupils from primary schools across Bolton with the awards.

The pupils are all due to start at the Greenland Road School in September.

They attained the awards, boosting their literacy, numeracy and computer skills, in a two-week summer course at the school under the watchful eye of older "study buddies" from Bolton School Boys' Division.

Their former primary school headteachers nominated them for inclusion in the summer school.

Penny Walker, head teacher, said: "The idea is that the pupils get off to a flying start. They have been working hard on their maths and English and enjoyed a number of excursions. I am told they all did very well."

Phillip Harrison, school co-ordinator, said: "Peter called to say that unfortunately he could not make it and regrettably had to cancel due to filming commitments.

"It is a pity because he is an ex-pupil and we were all looking forward to meeting him.

"I'm sure he will make it up to us."

The summer school is funded by Bolton Education Authority -- designed to forge links between schools in the state and private sectors.

Trips to Camelot theme park and Chester Zoo Included in the extra summer lessons were.

The pupils were assisted by 18 Year 12 boys from Bolton School Boy's Division, who also acted as role models.