More than 175 Keswick School pupils were honoured at its annual prizegiving.

Former pupil James Sibbit presented the prizes, which were awarded for everything from academic achievement and sporting success to music and volunteering.

James was the highest-scoring student on the BSc mathmatics degree course at Durham University in the summer and is now planning to undertake further research in Japan.

He also plays in a band, Memento, who had just recorded their first single at Abbey Road Studios in London.

After an address in which he encouraged the prize winners to have the confidence to take up opportunities, James joined the school jazz band and performed a drum off with current pupil Ross Singleton, who recently played with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Headteacher Simon Jackson said: " It’s too easy for education to be seen simply as an endurance test over a succession of exam hurdles. It is, of course, a far greater enterprise than that, and success comes in many forms.

"Prize winners, inspiration comes from what someone says or does. Our guest speaker was sat where you are now only a few years ago.

"Have the courage to believe there are no limits to your ambition. But remember, the most important thing is to be happy, to be curious and to enjoy the opportunities that come your way."

The event was attended by more than 600 guests, including Copeland MP Trudy Harrison.