A RUDHEATH High School pupil who died suddenly in his sleep was honoured at the school’s prize night on Thursday.

A new award was created in memory of popular student and prefect Ben Caldicott, 16, who died on, July 9, just days after finishing his GCSE exams.

The Ben Caldicott Award for Encouraging Participation in Sport went to Andrew Munnerley at the annual ceremony.

Head teacher Mike Hayhurst made a moving speech.

He said: “Many of us were stunned and shocked by this event and I would like to take this opportunity to thank staff and local authority officials who rallied round to provide support.

“Some of Ben’s friends have planted a rose bed at the front of the school in his memory and we welcome members of his family here this evening and are pleased that they have decided to nominate a prize in his memory.

“The award is appropriate as Ben was very keen on playing sport, particularly football.”

Tribute was also paid to former chairman of governors, Edwin Moss, who died earlier this year. Mr Hayhurst added: “One person who has departed and who has left a significant vacuum is Edwin Moss. He made a significant contribution to the life of the school.

“We all benefited from his warmth, wisdom and experience and he will be missed.”

John Stephens, director of Cheshire West and Chester children and young people’s service, joined Northwich Town Mayor Clr Helen Burder in celebrating the school’s achievements over the past year.

Mr Hayhurst said: “For the second consecutive year, we have witnessed record examination results in the school.

“We have altered the structure of the school day to enable daily tutoring sessions for all to take place, undertaken a curriculum review and introduced a new uniform as part of our re-branding of the school as it adapts to the needs of the 21st century.”

The 2009 Northwich Guardian prize for English went to Catherine Moorhead, while Matthew Beeston and Craig Poole both picked up a Brunner Mond prize for science.

The Rotary Club of Northwich prizes for head boy and head girl went to Scott Stanbank and Laura Fortune, while Helen Hankey and Rachel Pogson took the Roberts Bakery prizes for modern languages.