THERE was a hub-bub of excitement in and around Sir James Smith Community School's hall as students gathered to collect their GCSE results.

Squeals of delight and sighs of relief were evident all round as the vast majority of students realised how good their results were. An array of results littered with excellent grades have paved the way for them to take successful further education steps — whether through A levels and other high-level courses, apprenticeships, or jobs with training.

Staff were present to offer congratulations and advice, as young people, initially full of trepidation opened their envelopes to discover that all was well, and that their grades had, in the main, exceeded expectations. For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the 'Post'.