A BLACKBURN head teacher has been named the best in Lancashire.

Blackburn Central High School’s Diane Atkinson beat off stiff competition to win the School Head Teacher of the Year at the prestigious Education Rocks awards.

Bowland High School’s Daniel Breen was also celebrating after he was selected as Outstanding Teacher of the Year.

The awards, held at Blackburn College with radio station Rock FM, recognised Lancashire’s top teachers, pupils and schools.

As headteacher at the Haslingden Road school, Mrs Atkinson outperformed teachers from across the county.

She said she was delighted so many of her pupils had nominated her and said: “I have only been here since September so I feel honoured to win this award. It’s nice to know I am making an impact and getting such positive feedback from the students so quickly.”

Science teacher Mr Breen was nominated by student Karen Bamber who said: “Mr Breen is a dedicated teacher who uses his spare time to give revision classes to the children who need it.

“His science exam results are one of the highest in the county but he has never been rewarded for them.”

Accrington Academy’s Louise Fielding was another winner on the night, praised for being a ‘great role model’ as she won Pupil of the Year.

Louise was picked out by fellow student Zeba Aryrm who said: “Louise is the best pupil in Lancashire as she is extremely focused on her work and always studying in her spare time.

“She is ambitious but quiet, a great role model.”

Louise, 18, who is studying A-levels in English, law and history, said: “I didn’t expect to get nominated, never mind win an award. I am focused as I want to be a barrister and I already have two university offers.”

Chorley’s St Michael’s Church of England Academy was delighted when teacher Phil White was awarded Music Teacher of the Year.

Jane McCann, executive director of Blackburn College, said: “It was another successful Education Rocks awards night where we celebrated education in Lancashire by honouring the best students, teachers and schools in the region.

“There were some outstanding nominees this year.”