TWENTY-THREE Hartlepool school governors have been recognised for their dedication and hard work.

The governors – who have all served for more than 20 years – were recognised at a special event at the Town Hall Theatre recently, organised by Hartlepool Borough Council.

The governors, from primary, secondary and special schools in the town, were each presented with a certificate and engraved glass award by Councillor Chris Simmons, chair of the Council’s Children’s Services Committee.

He said: “The role of school governors should not be under-estimated as they have a vital role in overseeing the management and leadership in individual schools.

“It is their job to hold head teachers to account and they have a major part to play in ensuring that children get the best possible start in life.

“Being a governor requires people giving up their time voluntarily and it’s right and proper that the Council acknowledges such sterling local service.”

Some of the governors being recognised for their long service have actually been a governor at more than one school.

The full list of governors with over 20 years’ service is: Michael Kay, Stephanie Hayes, Councillor John Lauderdale, Alderman Arthur Preece, Christine Brown, Patricia Brotherton, Christine Patton, William Gibson,

Councillor Carl Richardson, Judy Thompson, Eileen Foreman, Patricia Carroll, David Hammond, Christine Lamb, Pamela Maughan, Maurice Brown, Paula Gouldburn, Councillor Sheila Griffin, Dr. John Moore, Ken Shepherd, Peter Olsen, Marian Agar and Alan Gill.

Ken Shepherd, who has served on two governing bodies over a 29-year period and is currently a governor at High Tunstall College of Science, commented: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my role as a governor and it does give me some satisfaction that I’ve made a small contribution to helping the children of our town reach their full potential.”