A STUDENT who rose from the bottom to the top of his class has been rewarded for his hard work and determination with a prestigious school prize.

 

Lydon Eccles admits he was firmly ensconced in the bottom set until he switched to the new Trinity Academy in Thorne, where he ultimately became Head Boy and now Student of the Year.

 

Now the 18-year-old is awaiting his A Level results before going to on to study bio-medicine at one of the country's top universities as he lives his dream to become a surgeon.

 

"I was in the lowest set in my previous school," said Lydon, who was presented with the Student of the Year accolade at Trinity's annual prize-giving ceremony.

 

"I used to try hard enough but the old system just didn't work for me. I didn't think I would come out with GCSEs let alone be able to go to university. Trinity Academy has changed everything for me."

 

Principal Ian Brew told students, parents and dignitaries at the prize-giving: "Lydon has achieved what he has through hard work and determination; in fact he embodies all the values we live by at Trinity Academy."

 

Mr Brew went on to praise another student who was awarded the prize for courage. Ryan Amesbury was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and had to have his lower leg removed.

 

Mr Brew said: "He is a phenomenal young man whom it is my privilege to know. He has faced amazing challenges including undergoing chemotherapy and the leg operation and yet he is always smiling showing what a fine young man he is."

 

Prizes were presented by renowned author, broadcaster and former schools inspector Gervase Phinn.

 

He told the students: "If you work hard, persevere, believe in yourself and have ambitions you can all get your prizes in life. If you aim for the moon, you might find yourself going through the roof."

 

The awards ceremony had the theme of memories and the audience was treated to a look back at the successes and events of the past year.

 

There were also performances of classical and street dance, a Big Brain competition involving Mr Brew, chief executive of the Emmanuel Schools Foundation David Wootton and its vice chairman Nigel Robson, hosted by Head Boy Luke Wilkinson and Head Girl Jay Cafferty.

 

The cast of the Academy's production of Blood Brothers also performed a scene from the show.

 

Mr Brew added: "We have had a brilliant year with a host of academic and sporting successes but the most important thing is that everyone has had the chance to develop."

 

The full list of prize winners is found in the attached PDF.