RUNCORN pupils celebrated this year's GCSE results as Halton schools bucked the national trend and continued to improve.

The borough's schools saw 44 per cent of pupils achieve five or more grades, the best ever figures since Halton Council went unitary five years ago.

The Grange Comprehensive saw 37 per cent of their 181 pupils achieve five or more passes at grades A to C, an overall increase in performance.

Star pupils included Matthew Feltham with eight A*s, one A and a C and Ashley Kennedy with four A*s, five As and one B.

Headteacher David Stanley said: "These better than expected grades are the result of a lot of hard work and commitment from the pupils."

St Chad's Catholic High School achieved a pass rate of 51 per cent at grade C or above.

Headteacher Arthur Graley, said: "We are particularly proud of the fact that every individual pupil has achieved at least one pass at GCSE and that so many have got A* and A grades."

Hannah Frances, Claire Dickinson and Sarah Walton achieved straight A* and A grades in all 10 subjects.

Catherine Pitts, Michael Pooler, Michael Spruce and Philippa Beech achieved nine A* and A grades.

The Heath achieved a pass rate of 55 per cent for five grades A* to C.

Headteacher Phil Mather said: "I am delighted because we have beaten our school targets for this year."

Alison Okell scored 10 A*s and A grades and Kevin Stoba got eight A* and A grades.