A TEACHING assistant who set up a school breakfast club so children would not go hungry in the mornings has won a national award.

Helen Walker, 60, from Shotley Bridge, took home the Kellogg’s Breakfast Club Hero Award for her tireless work at Greenland Community Primary School in South Moor, Stanley.

Mrs Walker, who won a public vote for the award, set up the club in 2010 as a way to give pupils a structured start to their day.

For four years she ran the club unpaid, using her own money to pay for supplies, and has since secured corporate sponsorships.

Despite suffering a brain aneurysm in April, she returned to work after being dearly missed by children and colleagues.

Mrs Walker said: “I am completely overwhelmed to have won this award and feel very humbled by the support of the families and friends of Greenland.

“The Breakfast Club is my passion and I am honoured to be able to support and serve the children of our school.

“Seeing it become an essential part of their school day fills me with pride.”

Mrs Walker has been invited to an awards ceremony at the Houses of Parliament in December.

The £1,500 prize money will be used to add a hot option to the breakfast menu on cold mornings.

Headteacher Mark Stewart said: “Helen has touched the lives of so many children. She shows that you can have a vision and make it happen.”