A TEENAGER has won an iPod in recognition of his perfect attendance record.

Tom Able, 16, has never missed a day at Norton School - though he almost lost his 100 per cent record last week after injuring himself while exercising.

Stockton building company Rok decided to mark the occasion by giving the him the digital music system.

The company is looking to support the school by considering sponsoring opportunities to help the school attain humanities status - it would become a specialist in English, geography and drama.

To achieve this, the school must raise £50,000 by the end of October to submit a bid for a further £100,000 of Government funding. So far, £30,000 has been raised.

Tom, who has just finished his final exams, said: "I have always found going to school a pleasure and I am proud of my achievement of getting through it all without a day off. I thought last week my perfect record would end, but fortunately I only suffered a minor injury."

Rok area manager Paul Franklin said: "I remember as a child picking up every cold and flu bug that was going. It is amazing that Tom has managed to avoid all this and attain a 100 per cent attendance record, and we are delighted to give something to mark that achievement."

Deputy headteacher at Norton School, Mark Tilling, said: "These achievements are very few and far between, and Tom can be proud to leave this school with this on his record. Tom is an extraordinary pupil, who has set a magnificent example to every other pupil in the area and we wish him every success in the future."