More than 200 awards were handed out to students at English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College, while two former pupils were commended for their achievements since leaving the Catcote Road school.

Jemma Lowe, the swimmer who represented Team GB in the Beijing Olympics, and Paul Beddow, now a detective chief inspector with Hartlepool Police, were both honoured on the night.

The awards were handed out by BBC presenter Wendy Gibson, while Hartlepool mayor Stuart Drummond and Hartlepool Borough Council's director of children's services, Adrienne Simcock were also in attendance.

Martyrs headteacher Joe Hughes said: "The evening was a resounding success as we celebrated the achievements of the last academic year.

"The school sports hall was packed with over 500 parents, governors, invited guests and more than 200 students received awards.

"We celebrated a wide range of achievement.

"Our languages sixth form enterprise group were national award winners in a Young Enterprise competition. A number of GCSE and A level students were celebrating being in the "top 10" in the country in the summer examinations."

Det Chf Insp Beddow received the Chairman's Award, which honours the late chairman of governors, Father Eamonn Croghan.

After picking up the award, Det Chf Insp Beddow said: "It was quite a humbling experience watching all of those pupils receiving their well-earned rewards.

"For me to receive such an award from a school which has such high standards, and one that I left over 25 years ago, is a great honour for me and my family.

"I am proud to be associated with English Martyrs School and it was a night I will never forget."