NOT many people manage to go five years without ever having a day off sick.

But a group of students have completed secondary school without missing a single lesson and Swindon Council has been quick to give them praise.

On Friday the 17 students, who attend schools from all over the town, attended a special prize-giving ceremony at the Civic Offices in Euclid Street.

The awards were split into two categories -100 per cent attendance over five years and those who have overcome difficulties to achieve good attendance.

It is the ninth year the council has honoured students' attendance achievements.

Proud parents and family members watched on as one by one the pupils received their certificate, and a £40 voucher.

Nigel Pickering, Swindon Council's social inclusion manager, said it was an amazing achievement.

"This event is all about recognising the fact that the youngsters have completed secondary school without ever having a day off," he said.

"Or they have overcome difficulties that would otherwise have seriously affected their attendance.

"They all work really hard to ensure they attend school and that deserves to be honoured."

Swindon Mayor Michael Barnes was handing out the certificates, along with Mayoress Sue Barnes and Hilary Pitts, group director of children's services.

"Attendance at school is a vital ingredient for young people and gives them a good start in life," said Coun Barnes.

"I would like to say big congratulations to all of the pupils here today, and also their parents and carers as you play a valuable role."

Secondary school students weren't the only ones who received awards.

This year the Education Welfare service launched the Star Awards for primary school pupils who had 100 per cent attendance throughout the year.

They proved so popular that the awards were extended to include special schools and Year 7 and 8 pupils in mainstream schools.

Both schools and children have been enthusiastic and nearly 1,000 certificates have been handed out.

The winners

  • Nominees for Overcoming Difficulties:
  • Laura McHugh (Greendown)
  • Paul Cross (Commonweal)
  • Charlotte Goddard (Commonweal)
  • Karla Hawkins (Crowdys)
  • Keith Gibbs (Crowdys)
  • Joy Wilson (Riverside)
  • Luke Keel (Riverside)
  • Colin Cannon (St Lukes)
  • Roxanne Duff (Kingsdown)
  • Nominees for Full Five Years:
  • Rebecca Wallis (Kingsdown)
  • David Richards (Kingsdown)
  • Stephen Grant (Kingsdown)
  • Danielle Tuck (Greendown)
  • Richard Batsford (Headlands)
  • Stuart Batsford (Headlands)
  • Tony Pike (Churchfields)
  • Nathaniel Garner (Commonweal)