SWEET treats were served up by students to help celebrate the contribution of support staff to their school.

Head boy and head girl Liam Rennie and Navila Azad, of Eldon Grove Academy, Hartlepool, hosted a celebration tea party for all non teaching staff in recognition of their hard work and dedication.

The thank-you event was also attended by Unison representatives Duncan Rothwell and Edwin Jeffries, who presented a framed ‘Stars in our School’ certificate to head of school Audrey Brahimi and executive teacher Julie Deville.

Mrs Brahimi said: “This is the first time that we have extended an invitation to all of our support staff to show our appreciation for all they do within school."

“We have regular shout-outs to all staff every Monday morning to congratulate them on their achievements, but this is a special celebration and a great opportunity to get all of our support staff together just to say thank you."

Eldon Grove Academy, which has been awarded the gold award for Investors in People, employs more than 30 members of support staff, including classroom assistants, student support workers and administration staff among others.