A RETIRED headteacher received an MBE at Buckingham Palace after being praised in the Queen’s New Year Honours for her 'important and sustained impact' on a corner of County Durham.

Stefa McManners' 'commitment, dedication and energy' as headteacher of St Joseph’s RCVA Primary School, in Coundon, and at the forefront of various projects in the former mining communities of Coundon, Leeholme and Bishop Auckland were also highlighted.

As an Eleven Arches Trustee, Mrs McManners had helped establish the open-air attraction Kynren and the benefits it will bring her hometown of Bishop Auckland.

Mrs McManners said: “When awards like this are given out it is rarely just one person who is responsible for the achievements. I have been lucky enough to work with some amazing people and it goes to show what can be achieved when people work together.”

Mrs McManners was born and brought up near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, and met her husband Dr Robert McManners OBE while studying at Newcastle. The couple moved to Bishop Auckland in 1975.

Mrs McManners said she hoped her MBE would shine further light on Bishop Auckland. She added: "There is so much talent in this area and it is wonderful to have the opportunity to showcase it."