MORE than 150 students returned to a Worcester school for a presentation evening.

The pupils from Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College and their parents heard from guest speaker Simon Edens, assistant chief constable of West Mercia Police.

He told them about the importance of taking risk and not fearing failure, working together and not giving up. He also told them about how his desire to become a police officer stemmed partly from a love of police dramas including Z-Cars, The Sweeney and The Bill.

Other guests included Councillor John Cairns, Councillor Roger Knight and Worcester MP Robin Walker.

The evening started with a prayer led by Father Paul Whieldon followed by a rendition of Abba’s Waterloo and Chuck Berry’s Johnny B Goode by the college choir and soul band.

Mr Edens presented the subject awards to Emily Jasper for religious education, Zoe Evans for English language, Jane Rees for English literature and Ellen Gilhooly for mathematics.

Georgia Martin received an award for science, Jesly Jose for ICT, Orla Ginty for geography, Jane Reese for history, Charlotte Maund-Ruff for sociology and Georgia Martin for modern foreign languages.

Ellen Gilhooly also received an award for music, Zoe Evans for drama, Patrick Crampton for creative arts and Emma Thompson for physical education.

There were also 21 students presented with Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Awards, 12 students given Diana awards, nine students who received service to college awards and six students who were given special awards for effort.

The overall college achievement award was given to Ellen Gilhooly. The Richardson award for overcoming hardship was presented by Netty Bowen to Jordan Wedge and the Citizenship award was presented to Alex Jordan.

A buffet completed the evening at the Timberdine Avenue school.