A BEDLINGTON school has paid tribute to a teacher killed in a mountaineering tragedy by setting up an award in his memory writes the News Post Leader.
The parents of Alastair Aitken, killed while trying to rescue a fellow climber in the Scottish Highlands in December, were at Bedlingtonshire High School's annual awards evening to hand out the prize named after the 37-year-old.
School principal Kieran McGrane said: "The award is to be presented to a student who has shown particular determination and effort to overcome a personal challenge and succeed."
The winner of the prize, Emma Oliver, 14, said she had known the technology and Art teacher, from Newcastle, well, so she was delighted to play her part in helping keep his memory alive.
"I was a little bit embarrassed, but I am really pleased because Mr Aitken was a great teacher and this award means a lot to me," she said.
"We all miss him a lot, and I think this is a really good way to remember him."
The evening's other prizes were presented by the High Sheriff of Northumberland, Katie Crosbie-Dawson.
Rachael Dajoux was given the award for excellence after passing 15 GCSEs, gaining A and A* grades in all her subjects.
The 16-year-old said: "I was delighted with my results. Receiving the grammar school award for excellence is amazing. I never expected it."
Speaking after the awards ceremony, Mrs Crosbie-Dawson said: "I was very impressed with the students at Bedlingtonshire High School. They were confident, articulate and determined to succeed.
"Often, young people are portrayed in a negative light, but here we have some outstanding examples of what good things young people can achieve."