TEACHERS and pupils gathered at the Lancashire Telegraph Schools Awards 2014 last night.

East Lancashire’s educational figures watched as the most inspirational people in our local schools were honoured.

The gathering at Stanley House in Mellor saw editor Kevin Young welcome guests to the evening event.

The awards were launched in April for the first time to celebrate East Lancashire’s schools, teachers, staff and pupils - and everything that’s great about education in East Lancashire.

More than 350 entries were received from all over East Lancashire putting forward heads, teachers, pupils, schools and other members of staff or volunteer helpers for honours in 10 categories.

Winners included the Lifetime Achievement Award to Frances Clements, 64, who teaches at St Thomas’s CE Primary School, Blackburn.

The Inspirational Teacher of the Year was Denise Easton, who employed by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council to teach young patients at Royal Blackburn Hospital’s children’s ward.

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Unsung Hero of the Year was Simon Grime, sports co-ordinator at Wellfield Methodist and Anglican Church School, Burnley.

Primary Pupil of the Year was Joseph Pim of Shadsworth Junior School, Blackburn.

Primary Headteacher of the Year was Jacquie Clarke of Hapton CE/Methodist Primary School. 

Secondary Pupil of the Year was Sonny Ashworth of Alder Grange Community, Technology School and Sixth Form, Rawtenstall. 

Secondary Headteacher of the Year was Richard Varey of Blessed Trinity RC College, Burnley. 

Primary School of the Year was Peel Park Primary School, Accrington. 

Special School of the Year was Broadfield Specialist School, Oswaldtwistle.

Secondary School of the Year was Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School, Blackburn.

Unsung hero teaching assistant Simon Grime, from Wellfield Church School, said: "When you get staff, parents and children all pulling together my job becomes amazing. I love seeing the smiles on children's faces and watching them succeed."

Mr Young praised all the winners. He said: “The calibre of all the entries to these awards was extremely high and all those here tonight were deserved winners.”

Blackburn with Darwen education councillor Dave Harling said teachers and schools deserved to have their hard work recognised.

He said: “In all walks of life, there are people in the spotlight and then there are those who get on quietly working behind the scenes. I’m sure you’d agree ladies and gentlemen, without the brilliant efforts and commitment of those who don’t seek the limelight - or personal reward - the world would be a drastically poorer place.”