HIGH school pupils have been honoured in its annual celebration evening awards.

More than 60 students from Years Seven to 10 at Bedford High School attended the event where they picked up accolades for their achievements in the last year.

Students were recognised for their academic performances and their sporting success while others were acknowledged for their attitude and in supporting people.

A new prize was made in honour of Bedford student Tyler Ryan Yates who died in December at the age of 13 after suffering with a brain tumour.

During the ceremony, head teacher Helen Phillips said: “Tyler was a Bedford student who epitomised everything we stand for and is remembered with great affection.

"The Tyler Ryan Yates or TRY award has been provided by Tyler’s family and it will ensure that he remains in our thoughts and in our hearts year-after-year.”

TRY award winner Aaron Trent, 14, said: “It is an honour to be the first person to win this award.

"It’s great that the school puts on nights like this to acknowledge some of the things the students are doing.

"I have been working really hard and winning this award will make me continue to try my best.”

The guest of honour at the award's night was Roman Dibden, business development manager at Manchester-based Changing Education.

The company delivers work experience opportunities for young people.

Roman, 21, explained how hard work and determination led to him winning Young Business Person of the Year at last year’s Greater Manchester Business Awards.

Roman said: “It’s so important to keep trying your best, even when you think things are not going well - you will succeed in the end.

"It’s a real privilege to be invited to Bedford to speak at the celebration evening.

"It’s important that young people are recognised for their achievements and given the motivation they need to continue.

"With events like this, it’s clear that the school is doing exactly this.”

Three other major awards given out are based on the school's values- To Care, To Learn, and To Achieve.

Year Nine student Emily Downs was presented with the Steve Preston Ambassador Award, which illustrates the To Care ethos.

Year 10’s Lauren Walsh was presented with The Barry Mell - To Achieve Award.

Student Tyler Topping-Higson won the the Harry Cartledge - To Learn Award.

Headteacher Mrs Phillips added: “Our students work really hard with the support of their teachers and families. "That ethos of not giving up when things get tough is often the difference between success and failure and the power of being supported by school and family cannot be overestimated.”

In addressing the audience, she said: “I am very proud of everyone here tonight.

"You’ve got the right attitude and you’re very successful. You should feel good about yourselves.”