Awards for teaching staff success

Paul Burn-Murdoch says he is a "happy man".

The achievements of teaching staff from across the Yorkshire and Humber region have been celebrated during an awards ceremony in Harrogate.

During Monday's event head teachers, teachers and teaching assistants were praised for the work that they do.

Paul Burn-Murdoch, from McAuley High School, Doncaster, won the secondary teacher of the year award.

He is one of nine teachers nominated under the national teaching awards, an independent charity.

'Fun and stimulating'

Mr Burn-Murdoch said: "Teaching is a fantastic job. I wake-up every day and look forward to work.

"No two days are the same and I'm a very happy man."

Clare Kelly, a primary school teacher from Wakefield, won the BT award for teacher of the year in a primary school.

She said it was her "bubbly" personality that led to nominations from parents and colleagues at Dane Royd Junior and Infant School in Hall Green.

Miss Kelly told BBC News: "I make innovative use of information technology and, as my children will confirm, I bring my bubbly personality into the classroom to make the most of my lessons.

"Learning should be fun and stimulating. This is crucial because we are educating the next generation and if they are not captivated then you loose them."

Lifetime achievement

She added that she was "stunned" when her name was read out during the ceremony.

"I am so thrilled to have won the award as it is recognition for all the hardwork I have put in over the last ten years since graduating from Northumbria University - it means so much to me."

Margaret Willard, from Millhouse Primary School, Sheffield, was awarded the DfES (Department for Education) innovation unit award for lifetime achievement.

The award for outstanding new teacher was presented to Emma Withers from Martongate Primary School, Bridlington.

Alex Fairchild, an assistant at Threshfield Primary School, Skipton, was given the teaching assistant of the year award.