Former students of a school have set up an annual award in memory of their pioneering head teacher.

Members of Keighley Girls' Grammar School Old Students' Association have set up annual prizes for pupils at the school -- now Greenhead High -- in honour of head teacher Jennett Evans.

Miss Evans -- who died in 1998 aged 90 -- was the youngest head teacher in the country when she was appointed headmistress at the Utley school in 1942 at the age of 33.

During her 26 years at the school she was recognised as a trailblazing head teacher.

The old girls presented a cheque to Greenhead head teacher Miles Mizon, which will be used to set up an annual junior prize award for high achievement in modern languages and an annual sixth form prize for outstanding services to the school.

The group also presented a memorial brass plaque which will be placed in the school library and a donation to buy books. A tree will be planted in the school gardens as well.

Joint secretary Kathleen Holdsworth said: "Since her retirement in 1968 Miss Evans actively supported the Old Students' Association, following the careers of her former students with tremendous interest in supporting them in so many different ways."

Mr Mizon said: "We are delighted to receive this generous sum of money, which will sponsor the two prizes.

"It will be a positive way of reminding our present and future pupils of the long tradition of the school."

Mr Mizon will be able to sew the seeds of a happy retirement thanks to a farewell present.

He was presented with membership of the Royal Horticultural Society by members of Girls' Grammar School Old Students' Association.

Mr Mizon said: "I am delighted to receive such a thoughtful presentation of membership to the Royal Horticultural Society, and I hope to get down to the Chelsea Flower Show next year." Mr Mizon will retire as head teacher at the Utley school this summer after 17 years in the post.