A DARLINGTON school has celebrated successful students at its annual awards.

Strawberries and cream and music from the school choir made for a fitting tribute to the youngsters from Marchbank Free School.

Staff, pupils, governors and parents turned out for the third annual awards at the school which specialises in teaching young people with social, emotional and behavioural issues.

Accolades were presented for attendance, behaviour, improvement and going above and beyond, with the top prize of Shine Awards going to the best performing pupil in each year group at the school, which has doubled in size during the last three years.

Year six pupils celebrated their graduation in mortarboards and gowns and enjoyed special cakes and non-alcoholic bubbly.

Principal Mandy Southwick said last week: “Children need to be offered the opportunity to shine and every one of our pupils took that opportunity. They showed a thirst for learning, caring natures, impeccable manners and great pride in their work.”