A RETIRED headteacher is preparing to collect his OBE at Buckingham Palace.

Andy Brown, 59, retired as head of West Primary School, in Hartlepool, recently after almost 21 years in the job.

A lifelong career in education has also seen him teach in schools in Marske-by-the-Sea, Guisborough and Middlesbrough.

The married father-of-two, who lives in Stokesley, was brought up in Darlington and is a former pupil at Eastbourne Comprehensive School and Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College.

He is also chief executive officer of the Ad Astra Academy Trust which controls three schools in Hartlepool and one in Stockton.

Mr Brown is due to visit Buckingham Palace tomorrow (Tuesday) after he was named in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

He said: “Clearly, I am very proud and honoured to be made an OBE and looking forward immensely to visiting Buckingham Palace and hopefully meeting The Queen.

“However, this award is not just for me. It’s also for the many great people who I have worked with over the years in helping to deliver the best possible education and support to thousands of children.”

Chris Simmons, Chair of Governors at West View Primary School, said: “Andy Brown was an inspirational leader here, which resulted in the school becoming a beacon of care and learning.

“I congratulate him on receiving his OBE which he truly deserves.”