TEACHERS from schools in Malton and Norton have been recognised in a North Yorkshire County Council awards scheme celebrating staff who inspire and make a difference.

From Malton School and sixth form, Zoe Spink won the award for teaching or support assistant of the year in a secondary school category, and Peter Woodrow won for newly-qualified teacher in a secondary school.

Meanwhile, from Norton College, Sam Stones won classroom teacher of the year in a secondary school.

The scheme is in its third year. The awards - aimed at celebrating best practice and improving the profile of the profession - were this year sponsored by North Yorkshire Education Services (NYES) and Smoothwall and held at Thirsk Racecourse.

“We have much to celebrate in North Yorkshire,” said county councillor Patrick Mulligan, North Yorkshire’s executive member for education and skills.

“These finalists represent the many great teachers and support staff in the county’s schools who are so

dedicated to helping children and young people achieve their very best.

“So many go above and beyond to provide excellence in teaching and learning. Teachers in North Yorkshire show fantastic commitment and in return get great support through professional development, partnership working and sharing good practice.

“We hold these awards as a signal to teachers everywhere and to those wanting to become teachers, to come to North Yorkshire and build a great career.

“Nearly 90 per cent of children and young people go to a good or outstanding school in North

Yorkshire; our inspirational teachers and school staff are pivotal in enabling our children the best chance to realise their life ambitions.”

Aside from the Ryedale-based finalists, winners came from schools over North Yorkshire, including Stokesley, Skipton, Easingwold, Wharfedale and Ripon.