JEFF Finnigan could be the most diligent schoolboy in the country he has just completed his education without missing a day of school.

The Churchfields School pupil has notched up 11 years 100 per cent attendance, never letting a cough, sniffle or cold get in the way of his education.

While some children look for excuses to skive off, Jeff actually once persuaded his mum to let him go in when she did not think he was well enough to attend.

The 16-year-old from Walcot, who went to Lainesmead Primary School, said he realised he was heading for a perfect record when he got to Year 8 at Churchfields.

He said: "I just wanted to do well I like going to school because I enjoy being with my friends.

"There were plenty of opportunities to do other things I have friends who used to go to the Lawns during class time, and I even had one person who said he would pay me to miss school for one day!"

Jeff's mum Karen said: "He once had a cold in Year 9 and he said 'Just give me a Lemsip, I'm going in.' I'm really happy, and very proud of him."

Jeff has faced a bit of ribbing from schoolmates about his perfect record, but he just laughs it off.

"I've had chicken pox and the flu but I always seemed to be ill during the holidays or at weekends," he said.

Jeff is now planning to take A-levels at college and wants to take his perfect attendance record all the way through to sixth form.

He was one of 13 school-leavers to receive awards from Swindon Council yesterday for their good attendance records.

Two others Rajiv Kumar from Kingsdown and Peter Worthington from Hreod Parkway received prizes for managing five years of perfect attendance at secondary school.

And 10 further pupils were given awards for outstanding attendance.

All the winners were given a £25 WH Smith voucher and £25 council recreational services voucher by Swindon mayor Coun Stan Pajak.

When asked how he managed his near perfect attendance, Darren Moby, of Crowdys Hill School, said: "I just went to school every day.

"I didn't want to miss any of the work and have to catch up."

Swindon Council's principal education officer, Nigel Pickering, said: "This is about recognising that these young people are so hard working.

"Many of them have had family and health issues to work through. They are just an example to us all."

He added that overall attendance at Swindon schools is improving.

The figures of 94 per cent for primary schools and 92 per cent for secondary schools are said to be in line with national average.