KEIGHLEY pupils were inspired and rewarded at a prize-giving evening at their school.

University Academy Keighley’s (UAK) annual celebration and prize-giving evening took place on July 18 to celebrate the achievements of its students for the past year.

More than 100 students received recognition for attainment above and beyond the normal expectations placed on them.

Prizes were awarded for subject progress and achievement, sporting success – including recognition of the academy’s top sporting teams – and contribution within the school’s own house system.

A UAK spokesman said: "Special Recognition Awards from the academy’s sponsors, The University of Bradford, were presented by the chair of governors Joanne Marshall.

"Students who've made an outstanding contribution to the academy received an extra mention from the principal Bernie Addison.

"The academy’s sixth form was also recognised with the Drake and Tonson Foundation award for 'Outstanding Contribution to the Academy'.

"And for the first year the Paul Cotton Award for Exceptional Achievement in Mathematics was given in memory of the former teacher.

"Performance-poet Imran Hafeez was the guest of honour. He gave a talk that was in part inspired by poetry produced by students at the academy entitled ‘A Message to My Younger Self’.

"Imran encouraged students to take every opportunity that life presents and performed his own piece, called ‘Not in My Name’, speaking to the students about taking pride in their achievements and the importance of respecting each other."

Mr Hafeez is part of the Voice Bradford Project, working within education and wider community to improve verbal communication across the curriculum. He has worked previously with UAK's English Faculty.

UAK prize winners and their parents were entertained by a student drumming group.

There were also performances by Radek Bily on keyboard, Luke Scott, who read a collection of students' poems and Isma Ali, who recited an Urdu poem.