PUPILS at Wootton Bassett School were urged to benefit from all the educational opportunities by John Lucken, the managing director of Group 4 FALCK Global, who was the guest speaker at the speech day on Friday.

Mr Lucken said this was essential so businesses could utilise a very wide range of talents.

Newly appointed head teacher Chris Montacute spoke enthusiastically of the challenge and opportunity of the school's impending move to new buildings in February. He said he felt privileged to be leading the school, which he had always rated as one of the best in the region.

He reviewed the school's many achievements, in examinations, sport, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, service in the community, overseas expeditions and personal development projects. He also highlighted the educational implications of new technology.

Other speakers included the chairman of governors Malcolm Wilford, and senior prefects Caroline Wiltshire and Tyrone Lightbody.

The large audience was entertained by the school orchestra and a vocal ensemble of Stacey Buchanann, Rhiannon Fitz-Gerald, Abbie Heath, Jayne Matthews and Michelle Williams.

Special awards: Seymour Hunt Award for service to the community, Caroline Langley; service to the school, Andrew Holmes; Donald Shepherd Technology Award, Helen Fielding; technology progress award, Stephen Robbs and Gareth Walbyoff; service to performing arts: Kevin Turner and Richard Smedley; Brian Bates Drama Cup, Rebecca Scott and Nina Embro; Angela Angell PE Shield, Rebecca Doyle; Dawn Easterling Drama Cup, Selina Taylor; Lime Kiln Sports Centre Cup, Michael Baxter; Esme Parrott Geography Award, Sarah Minett.

Subject awards: art, Katie Snell; business and economics, Andrew Holmes; English language, Lucy Marion; English literature, Jeremy Morris; French, Ruth Bunting; German, Emma Sandiford; history, Andrew Holmes; information technology, Samantha Stark; law, Melanie Jordan; maths, James Osborne; music, Kim Bereton; religious education, Holly Smart; biology, Ruth Bunting; chemistry, Lucy Marion; physics, James Osborne, vocational education, Alison Stone.