IT TURNED out to be a real family affair at a Hyndburn school after a teenager scored a hat-trick by being appointed as head boy, the third member of his family to take on the role in just six years.

The Libberton boys, of Cobbs Lane, Oswaldtwistle, have all endured the gruelling selection process at St Christopher's High School, Accrington, in order to take over the reins as head boy.

Eldest brother Ben, 21, was the first to take on the responsibility in 2001, followed by Sam, now 18, in 2003 and then most recently Josh, 15, who is the current head boy.

Ben, a micro-biologist who is set to start a Phd course in September, said: "It was an easy job for me to do because I really enjoyed it. St Christopher's is a brilliant, brilliant school and I was surprised when I found out I was head boy.

"When it came to the time for Sam to apply, some people said he only did it because I had been head boy but it was clearly up to him and it didn't put him off."

The role of head boy or girl is a very prestigious position with students liaising between fellow pupils and staff and taking on the role as chairman of the student council.

Several stages of interviews and shortlisting must be completed before a panel makes the final decision.

Sam, the second in line, said: "I think the interview stage was the most nervous I have ever been, I have had job interviews but nothing has been as difficult as that was.

"It is difficult to know what the panel is looking for but Ben told me to stay relaxed and honest and that is exactly what I did."

Josh beat off competition from 20 other boys to be named head boy. He added: "My brothers have given me tips and advice about being confident because they have experienced it for themselves."

The boys' mum Elizabeth, a teacher at Hollins Technology College, said: "When Sam got it we were delighted to have had two sons as head boys and then Josh said he would go for it, we couldn't believe it.

"Myself and husband Andrew are very proud of them all and we can't praise the school enough."

Headteacher Alasdair Coates said it was an unusual situation and added: "It is absolutely clear that each boy was appointed on his own merit and it's nice to see that they have followed in each other's footsteps."