QUEEN Elizabeth's Academy, Crediton, opened its doors to a lively crown of proud parents and friends who assembled to watch the college's annual Presentation Evening.

The students were applauded for their outstanding efforts and excellent achievements, with more than 180 awards being presented for accomplishments during the last academic year.

Special awards went to Anju Gaston and Phillip Gomme, who were the college's highest academic achievers in Year 11 and Julia Coryton and Angus Laurenson, who were the highest academic achievers in Year 13.

Teachers from each of QE's Learning Areas (English, Expressive Arts, Modern Foreign Languages, PE, Learning Support, Maths, ICT, Technology, Science and Humanities) awarded prizes to students who had impressed in individual subjects.

These included Georgina May, who studied in the Sixth Form and received an award for Outstanding Achievement in A Level French. Jack French, who is currently studying in Year 9, received an award for being a supportive and inspirational student.

The Outdoor Education Team Award was presented to QE's successful Ten Tors 55 Miles Team and the exceptional Bar Mock Trial National winners team received an award for their special achievement.

Guests were entertained throughout the evening by a number of amusing and engaging student performances. Maz Totterdell (15) wooed the audience by singing her own original composition of "Little Puzzle" and the crowd were lifted with an impressive performance from QE's very own band "Liar in the Light", with "White Winter Hymnal".

The winning Bar Mock Trial Team gave a fantastic extract from the Bar Mock Trial finals held at the Old Bailey, London.

Richard Newton Chance, Principal at QE, said: "My thanks to everyone who contributed to making this, once again, such a fantastic event. What I love about this is that we celebrate all the achievements of our young people, not just academically, but in every field.

"It's a pity that some people seem to have such a narrow definition of what success means, they should see the all-round brilliance on display here tonight." The College is indebted to the Trustees of the Queen Elizabeth's Educational Foundation who kindly donated the prizes for the evening, along with the family of Jean Grinney and Paul Cartwright, in memory of the late Daphne Cartwright, who both supported award prizes this year.