IN recognition of the success of both students and staff at Trinity High School and Sixth Form Centre, headteacher Marion Barton received a personal invitation to a reception with the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street.

The event was held to celebrate the achievements of people working in the public sector.

Judith Willis, the manager of Redditch SureStart, also attended to be congratulated on what has been achieved by the organisation.

Mrs Barton and Mrs Willis were accompanied by Redditch MP Jacqui Smith and met several members of the Government.

A school spokesman said: "Trinity's excellent examination results and recent recognition as a Specialist Business and Enterprise College established the school as the most improved in the country."

Mrs Barton said: "It was a great privilege to be invited to Number 10 and I felt so proud to represent our students and staff."

Mrs Willis said: "It was such an exciting day and it was lovely to get recognition for what we do at SureStart.

"To have Tony Blair say that the work of SureStart really does make a difference to people was a wonderful thing."

Ms Smith said: "This was a great chance for the Prime Minister to say thank you to all the people like Judith and Marion for their excellent work and to celebrate their success.

"Tony made a very nice speech and recognised it was not only the leaders of schools like Trinity or organisations like Redditch SureStart that deserved thanks but the whole of their staff too.

"It was a pleasure to accompany Judith and Marion on their visit - it's one of the perks of the job."