A former West Craven High pupil has gone back to school to help bring out the best in her teenage successors.

Sarah Mellor, 23, has been appointed as the technology college's "raising achievement co-ordinator", which means she will be working with students to overcome any difficulties they have, reduce exam stress and highlight their achievements.

And Sarah, who also teaches part-time at the school and runs the school newspaper, believes her youthfulness means the 15 and 16-year-olds find her easier to relate to and approach with their problems.

Sarah, who describes herself as "Barlick born and bred", currently spends two-and-a-half days teaching classes and the rest of her week in her "raising achievement" role with Year 11.

She returned to her old high school in October after spending three years in teacher training at St Martin's College, Ambleside.

She said: "My job is to look at all aspects of achievement. It can involve addressing any issues at home or trying to sort out personality clashes in the classroom - I'm there to step in and see how we can help. It's a very pro-active way of doing things. I'm also trying to reduce the stress of exams - it's an all-round job."

Sarah believes part of her job is to act as a "missing link" between teachers and pupils in order to improve harmony in the school.

She said: "The kids get to know me on a personal level as well.

"I'm only a few years older than them so they feel like I'm someone they can ask for advice as well. It's just nice for them to have someone to come to who's not 20 years older than them and understands a bit more."

Sarah said she was planning to use the recently-formed school newspaper to highlight high achievers and was hoping to bring positive local role models into school, such as her friend and Bashphelt band member Andrew Gilmour.

Claire Knight, West Craven High's senior deputy headteacher, said: "Sarah joined us in October and was immediately welcomed by both staff and the pupils.

"The pupils are enjoying listening to Sarah's experiences of being a West Craven pupil and she has helped them to realise the possibilities that exist beyond secondary education. Sarah has proved to be a dedicated and committed practitioner and ex-pupil by assisting in the school's efforts to keep moving forward with new developments and initiatives and in helping the pupils we serve to experience greater success. It has been a joy to welcome her back," she added.