THE manager of Newport County, Justin Edinburgh handed out prizes at Thursday night’s Llanwern High School awards evening, along with the mayor of Newport and sponsors from Gwent companies.

The awards evening included songs from Frozen and the musical Hairspray performed by the school choir and Year 8 pupil Delyth Dwyer who covered John Legend’s hit All of Me.

Head teacher Peter Jenkins described the school cadet force’s recent trip to the Nato summit in Newport to form a guard of honour for Prince Charles’ reception of world leaders, when the cadets spoke to Angela Merkel, David Cameron and Prince Charles.

The head of Gwent’s Education Achievement Service, Steve Davies presented music certificates from Trinity College London while the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales presented sixth former Daniel Cook with an award.

In all, 33 awards were handed out by the mayor, Councillor Matthew Evans, and ten awards were given to pupils for perfect attendance last year by Cllr Ray Truman, a long-time governor.

The 20 house awards were given out by Justin Edinburgh who told pupils it was humbling for him to be there.

“I came to Hartridge three years ago, it was quite a shock,” he said.

“It wasn’t pleasant, and I was quite taken aback when I revisited.

“I was amazed and proud to know that young team players would be able to train here.

“The special awards for 100 per cent attendance, that’s amazing.

“To come here and be taught in a facility like this should be an honour and a pleasure.”

Those gathered at the awards watched a video of a partnership being set up between the school and the Zelyn Academy in Nairobi.

Achievement awards went to Garryn Goodwin (Year 7 pupil of the year); Lucy Watkins (Year 8 pupil of the year); Ruman Imtiaz (Year 9 pupil of the year); Thomas Taylor (Year 10 pupil of the year); Gabrielle Foley (Year 11 pupil of the year); Emily Cater (eco award); Thomas Davies (performance award); Jordan Casey (Gerald Hopkins sportsperson of the year); Daniel Cook (achievement award); and Claire Jenkins (achievement award).

The prizes were sponsored by a number of businesses.