THE outstanding work of Muslim students was celebrated at an awards ceremony in Wycombe.

Wycombe MP Paul Goodman, town mayor Cllr Mohammed Liaquat Ali and the reverends of St Andrew's and St Francis of Assisi, in High Wycombe, joined pupils, parents and Islamic faith teachers on Friday, September 23, to celebrate the children's development at the Muslim Education Centre, in The Parade, Totteridge Drive.

Irfan Khan, a father of two of the children at the centre said: "This centre offers more than religious teaching, it is an investment in our youth.

"It teaches them the discipline it takes to practise our faith and to become contributing and valued members of society.

"We need to foster understanding with churches, employers, parents and schools so that these diverse communities can live together peacefully and stay as one community."

The children were presented with their results, and cash prizes were awarded to the top scorers in each class.

Zain Anwar, 12, of Perth Road, High Wycombe, scored 139.5 and came top of Year Two.

Zeshaan Ali, 14, also of Perth Road, High Wycombe, came top of Year Three with 141 points. His favourite subject is the Koran.

First-time winner Abid Haddadi, nine, of Hughenden Road, High Wycombe, got 139.5.

Kamran Ali, 13, of Wingate Avenue, was pleased to come first out of 12 students in his class.

Mehmuna Ayub, ten, of Whitelands Road, High Wycombe, scored 280.5 in her first year.

And Ramalh Aziz, eight, of Herbert Road, High Wycombe, scored 288 points and wants to spend her prize money on Islamic books.