Twenty students have between awarded scholarships at Paston Sixth Form College in recognition of their exam achievements and potential.

The youngsters who joined the North Walsham-based college in September were chosen by its trustees and get �500 as well as the honour.

The successful scholars achieved A/A* grades across their GCSEs, and were formerly pupils at high schools including North Walsham, Cromer, Aylsham, Broadland, Acle, Flegg and Sprowston.

Principal Peter Mayne told them: 'You should feel very special. You have all done very well in your GCSEs, and you should now aim high and work hard to realise your potential - straight As in your AS and A-level examinations and places at top universities. We expect much of you as Sir William Paston Scholars, but we know that you can achieve it.'

Paston is one of Norfolk's oldest educational establishments. The scholarships were created to mark Paston's 400th birthday in 2006 and to celebrate the achievements of literally thousands of Pastonians over those 400 years in all walks of life. These include Horatio Nelson and Thomas Tenison, Archbishop of Canterbury from 1694 to 1715.

The Trustees were created by the will of Sir William Paston and include nominees of the Queen and the Bishop of Norwich, and they own the college's Griffons and playing fields sites.

Trustees chairman Ivor Kiddle who presented the scholarships said: 'The award of a scholarship is a mark of outstanding academic achievement as well as future potential.

'They are a link to the best traditions of learning at Paston over 400 years, now continued in the sixth form college with its excellent academic reputation.'

The 2011 Sir William Paston Scholars are: Ben Applegate (Sprowston High School); Luke Bibby (Broadland), Andrew Brierton (Broadland), Thomas Bulley (Broadland), Kimberley Davies (Sprowston), Isobelle Ford (Sprowston), Gabriella George (Acle), Sarah Goodliffe (Aylsham), Danielle Grant (Acle), David Halliday (North Walsham), John Hewetson (Aylsham), Lauren Kemp (Sprowston), Vicky Last (Aylsham),

Sula Marshall (The Minster School Southwell, Nottinghamshire), Katherine Palmer (Aylsham), Alec Stokes (Flegg), Harriet Thomas-Bush (Acle),

John Williams (Flegg High School), Sophie Williamson (Acle), Alexandra Witting (Aylsham).

Application for the 2012 Scholarships is now open. Details of the scholarship scheme and how to apply are in the application pack available on the college website www.paston.ac.uk.