Fluency clinches James an award

James Gallant (16) has become the holder of the inaugural award from the town's twinning association.

Sixth former James achieved his success by gaining the highest marks in modern foreign languages studies in the past year at Bognor Regis Community College.

The shield will be awarded annually.

It was launched by the twinning association in memory of the late Peter Merriman. He was a long-standing member of the association as well as being a teacher for special needs children at the college.

James was presented with a replica shield to keep and a 20 voucher.

Invited to the ceremony was Mr Merriman's widow, Alison, the vice chairman of the association.

She congratulated James and wished him well in his future studies.

She also explained his choice of languages was appropriate because of Bognor's links with two German towns and one town in France.