ANDREW Stephenson, Pendle's MP has paid tribute to teachers across East Lancashire for national 'Thank a Teacher Day'.

An extra 118 schools across the county are now rated good or outstanding, compared with 2010, while1.9million more children are attending good or outstanding schools nationally.

In 2012 62 per cent of six year olds in Lancashire reached the expected level in reading, compared with 81 per cent last year.

Mr Stephenson said: "An inspirational teacher has a profound effect – not only on students' academic achievements, but on their self-confidence and ambition, too.

"There can be no great schools without great teachers and I am consistently been struck by the passion and dedication of teachers working in schools across Pendle – ensuring that all children can fulfil their potential."