Bosses at a gold star college are celebrating after notching up two hat-tricks of top accolades.

Hard on the heels of setting a new record of 100% A level pass rate and a record number of A grades and number of students off to Oxbridge, Runshaw College has been named as outstanding by the Government's education watchdog for the third time.

Inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) have given the Langdale Road, Leyland, college full marks in all seven key areas.

The officials declared the facility oustanding in 105 of the 107 lessons, areas and disciplines they visited, including the canteen.

The inspectors were full of praise for the students and in their final report said: "Students enjoy their lessons and contribute enthusiastically.

"Students speak with great enthusiasm about their achievement at college."

They were impressed with the first class attendance record and added: "Students make an excellent contribution to the life of the college and the wider community."

The team said resources at the college were first rate and well used and added: "The quality and range of provision are outstanding." Guidance and support, lesson planning and celebration of student's success were excellent.

The report added: "The college has pushed the boundaries in developing innovative and creative practice in lessons which supports highly effective teaching."

They said a "culture of respect permeates the college".

Study support and the range of enrichment activities were also praised and the inspectors said Runshaw gave students a life-changing experience.

Retiring principal Michael Sheehan is handing over the reins on a high note and said: "The report is a wonderful tribute to the hard work of Runshaw's staff and students. They are quite inspirational. They have created a college to be proud of.

"This is the third successive inspection to grade Runshaw as 'outstanding'.

"This consistency is due to the ethos which daily guides our every action; we treat each student as a valued individual and we do all we can to support each one to fulfil his or her maximum potential."

Mr Sheehan said it was a fantastic endorsement of efforts to receive an Ofsted report which says: "At Runshaw, every learner really does matter... The learner experience and the quality of teaching and learning are at the heart of every aspect of the college… For many students, the exceptional support they receive has changed their lives."

No areas for improvement were cited.