TWO prestigious annual awards have been presented in memory of a murdered York school girl.

At Huntington School the Alan Stuttle Art Bursary has been awarded to four hard working and extremely talented sixth form art students: Ellie Duffield, Maddie Hancocks, Lara Cameron and Katie Bolton.

The bursary is in memory of Alan's daughter and former pupil, Caroline Stuttle, who was murdered in Australia in April 2002. Caroline had studied art at Huntington and Alan set up the bursary to support art students and give them opportunities to develop their work.

Their work went on display in the school's annual Arts Festival exhibition, featuring work from KS3, GCSE and A-Level art students.

Students also design and create artwork during the festival week which this year had a theme of the Changing World, the stage set Eyes painted in just three days by a small team of Year 10 students. The arts festival also features performances from music, drama, dance and media with the students creating work during the week.

Cassie Garbutt, subject leader for art at Huntington said: "We are incredibly proud of the students creative and inspiring work, it is so important to keep promoting the arts."

Meanwhile across the city congratulations go to to A-Level psychology student Jessica Heap, won this year’s Caroline’s Rainbow Foundation Psychology Prize A Level prize at York College.

Jessica, 17, from Filey, is formerly of Ryedale School and while at college she has studied A-Levels in psychology, English language and literature and sociology and she has been offered a place at the University of York to study a psychology degree in September.

York College psychology tutor Scott Franklin said Jessica is: “One of the most remarkable students we have had for a long time in A-Level psychology. She has produced fantastic work and can explain her thoughts in a beautifully clear manner. She is an accomplished psychological researcher too, who already produces undergraduate-quality projects and she relishes the opportunity to hone these skills at university.

"Her bright personality and intellect allows her to thrive in a strong academic environment. She has a bright future ahead and I wish her every success.”

Jessica said: “I am overwhelmed and honoured to be chosen for this year’s psychology prize. I’m fascinated by psychology, it helps us find out why people behave the way they do and better understand the world we live in. Looking to the future I would like to be a clinical psychologist helping people with anxieties.”

Marjorie Marks-Stuttle presented Jessica with a gift voucher and certificate.

She said: "The prize is awarded annually in memory of my daughter Caroline Stuttle who was tragically murdered during a gap year in Australia in 2002.

"Caroline studied A-Level psychology at York College and like Jessica was completely absorbed by it. I wish Jessica well as she progresses to university to further her studies.”