THE achievements of Abingdon’s schoolchildren have been celebrated at an awards evening.

The successes of hundreds of pupils from John Mason School, in Wootton Road, were recognised at the school’s annual awards evening on Monday.

From sporting stars to students with impressive exam marks, certificates were handed out for their achievements.

The Mayor of Abingdon Samantha Bowring and Oxford West and Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood were among the guests.

Ms Blackwood gave a speech about her education and her career path becoming an MP before presenting GCSE, AS and A Level certificates to last year’s 118 pupils from years 11, 12 and 13.

She said: “It was a tremendous pleasure to join John Mason School to recognise and celebrate students' achievements this year. I for one left the evening feeling inspired and the whole John Mason community — pupils, parents and staff — deserve congratulations for their success.”

John Mason headteacher Di Mashiter said: “We were delighted that so many of last year’s pupils came back to collect their awards and we congratulate all of our students on their success.”

The Abingdon Rotary Club award was given to year 12 student Eleanor French for her charity work.

Eleanor has been helping out at a food bank in Abingdon, sorting and distributing food and for the first 10 days of her summer holiday travelled to South Africa to distribute food to the needy.

She said: “It was a huge privilege to receive my Rotary Citizenship Award — I am very proud to know that my achievement has been recognised.”

Students, parents and guests enjoyed drinks and mince pies in the school hall before gathering in the sports hall for the awards.

Among the awards was the headteacher’s award for excellence at GCSE scooped by Katie Brooks who got 10 A* and two A grades.

Ex-student Hannah Dunnett was presented with the governors’ award for excellence at A level with four A* grades.