INVERCLYDE'S school pupils have posted record exam results for this year, it was confirmed this morning.

Hundreds of young people across the length and breadth of the district waited patiently for the all-important certificates to pop through the letterboxes this morning.

And all their hard work appears to have paid off, with the number of young people leaving school after sixth year with more than five Highers reaching a record high of just over 26 per cent.

Meanwhile, at Standard Grade level, the number of pupils achieving five or more passes at general level is at its highest in nine years.

Education chiefs chiefs today hailed pupils, staff and parents for the success.

Councillor Terry Loughran, the convener of Inverclyde's education committee, said: "These results reflect a lot of hard work by pupils, their parents and carers and staff who have put in a huge amount of effort over several years.

"Today is an important milestone in the lives of our young people and I know there will have been a lot of nerves out there.

"The headline figures make very pleasant reading indeed and I would like to congratulate everyone who has achieved their exam goals."

Council bosses also sent a message of reassurance to those youngsters who did not quite achievet the set of results they had hoped for.

Mr Loughran told the Tele: "For those young people who may have been disappointed, they should remember that every effort will be made to support them to achieve the qualifications they are looking for.

"Inverclyde has a fantastic track record for helping people into jobs, further education and training and we can use all of that expertise and experience to ensure no-one misses out."

This year's results show that attainment in English and maths at Standard Grade general level is, apart from last year, significantly higher than any other result in the last nine years.

Over 96 per cent of S4 pupils achieved five or more passes at Standard Grade foundation level or above, a record high, and a quarter of S5 pupils have achieved three or more Highers.

Councillor Loughran added: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank every member of staff who play such a vital role in the education of our young people.

"It is through their dedication that so many are able to build the foundations of successful and rewarding lives.

"Inverclyde Council has education at its heart, through investment in new and refurbished schools and facilities and the professionalism of our staff, who are committed to giving our children and young people every opportunity to fulfil their academic potential.

"I'd also like to thank parents for their continued support and for the vital role they play in their children's education."