GREAT Marlow school pupils were recognised for their academic achievements when they attended an awards evening along with a special celebrity guest.

Heston Blumenthal, chef of the Fat Duck in Bray, Berkshire, whose restaurant has been awarded three Michelin stars, was guest speaker at a "Celebration of Success Evening".

The event aims to celebrate the achievements of pupils throughout the school year, and all prizewinners were invited along with parents of children in Years 7 to 12.

Many winners were chosen by heads of departments, and parents were shown Powerpoint presentations of what students get up to while studying their best topics.

Mr Blumenthal, said to be one of the best up-and-coming chefs in Britain, told students to take the opportunities available to them despite the hard work and risk involved.

Mr Blumenthal, educated at John Hampden Grammar School, High Wycombe, said he had no formal training when going into the business, and taught himself to create French cuisine from memories of holiday.

One student, Hannah Bryan, who received a prize, said: "I enjoyed the evening and thought the speaker was interesting. He made me realise that my ambitions may be more achievable than I previously thought."

Students were handed prizes according to their specified subjects, including memory sticks for IT pupils.

Teacher Debbie Beach said: "It really was a true celebration of success."