SIXTY-TWO teachers in Bury, who have been long-standing members of the National Association of Schoolmasters/Union of Women Teachers (NAS/UWT) have been recognised for their loyalty.

They are the first to receive a new long-service award, badge and bottle of wine for being a member of the union for 25 years or more.

They were presented with them at a special ceremony in Bury Town Hall last month by the newly-elected national president Mr Tony Hardman, pictured handing out the awards.

Among the recipients were former Radcliffe High School teacher Mr Neil Fairclough who served as a local secretary and a national executive member.

And Coney Green High School's deputy headteacher Mr Dave Tarver was astonished to learn that he has been a member for 26 years, having joined as a student. One member who was not present to receive his award was former Tottington High School teacher Mr Gordon Childs who emigrated to Crete on May 1.