THE sheer energy, commitment, humour and other personal qualities are what made the nomination for Kieran Heakin stand out in this category.

Not only was the retiring head nominated by his teachers, but also by his pupils who wrote that he was ‘the best becos he is fyney’ and ‘I think Mr Heeckin is the best hed teech in the hol wuld’.

The spelling may be slightly amiss from pupils aged just four and five, but the sentiment comes through loud and clear. During his 21 years as head teacher Mr Heakin has had a profound affect on both the school and the community.

“He has had a huge impact on the lives of thousands of children and their families over the years,” said teacher Louise Dunderdale who nominated him.

“He is a great model to all and has worked continuously to improve relations within Burnley. He promoted the ‘building bridges’ project to improve cohesion in our town after the riots which has had a huge impact on the local community,” she said.

At the school he has also improved the environment, creating an orchard, wildlife area and other eco-friendly enterprises and overseen the merging of two school sites into one building.

In a teaching career which stretches back 42 years, he has been in the news hundreds of times for the work and achievements of his pupils.

In 2009 that took a tragic turn when he was glassed by a former pupil at a previous school but later publicly forgave his attacker.

“He came back to school with more resolve to change the lives of pupils in his care,” said Louise.

All of the teachers and pupils also refer to his sense of humour and willingness to get involved in everything.

Mr Heakin, who will retire at the end of term, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be receiving this award.”

Married with three children, he said he intends to spend his retirement working as a councillor in his home town of Rochdale.

On receiving the award, sponsored by Blackburn with Darwen Council, Mr Heakin said: “Thank you to the Lancashire Telegraph for putting on these awards. I’m pleased they value education so much because it affects all of us.

“I’m honoured and excited to receive this award. I started as a teacher 42 years ago and got my first headship 30 years ago.

“I finish at the end of term. People are saying, ‘are you counting down the days?’ I’m not... only 16 days left!”