TWO dedicated support staff flew the flag for a small North-East primary school in the finals of a new national award scheme.

St Joseph's RC Primary, in Gilesgate, Durham, with a mere 100 pupils on its roll, was the only school in the country to have two finalists in the National Awards for School Support Staff.

Teaching assistant Jane Meikle and school cook Hilary Vasey travelled to the recent awards ceremony, staged at the Merchant Taylor's Hall, in London, having been selected by a regional judging panel.

Although neither won their respective titles outright, both were awarded distinctions by competition organiser, the National Bursars' Association.

Ms Meikle, who has been at St Joseph's for more than five years, earned her accolade in the teaching assistant category, while Mrs Vasey, with six years' experience in the school kitchen, was given her distinction in the catering worker section.

Headteacher Angela Boyle welcomed both back and said everyone at the school was thrilled for the women.

"We're delighted for them both. These awards are really deserved - they both make a great contribution to school life."

She said Ms Meikle was a caring and patient teaching assistant at the reception-year one level, helping to "bring out the best" in each child.

Mrs Boyle said Ms Meikle gave particularly steadfast support to a former pupil, who suffering from Down's syndrome.

She described Mrs Vasey as, "an excellent cook", who manages to introduce popular healthy options to the school menu, contributing to a big take up in meals at St Joseph's.

Both were presented with their distinctions by BBC News' royal and diplomatic correspondent, Nicholas Witchell, at the gala awards evening.