PRAISE has been heaped on three North Yorkshire teachers by the chairman of Premiership football club Leeds United.

Peter Ridsdale commended the primary school teachers for their hard work in gaining leadership qualifications.

Aileen Moss, headteacher of Sherburn CE Primary, near Malton, Stephen Simper, deputy headteacher of Richmond Methodist Primary and Andrew Smith, deputy headteacher of Cawood CE Primary, near York, were all praised.

The trio gained the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) along with 41 other teachers from Yorkshire and Humber.

A ceremony was held at Leeds United Football Club to mark their achievements, with Mr Ridsdale presenting them with their awards.

The NPQH is awarded by the National College for School Leadership and provides aspiring headteachers with training in leadership and management.

A variety of study methods are used including online learning, school-based assessment and residential training.