MAURA Regan, praised as the architect of high-quality education in the region, has received a damehood for her services to education.

It is recognition of the long journey from miner’s daughter from Fishburn, County Durham, having led the successful transformation of Carmel College, Darlington, from a single outstanding college to the lead school at the Carmel Education multi-academy trust.

The trust, now known as Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust, comprises 26 schools both primary and secondary with plans to expand to 35 schools by next year.

Six years ago the 63-year-old was awarded an OBE and has continued her dedicated work through education in the North-East.

Miss Regan remains passionate about making a difference and believes that ‘every child should be given every opportunity to succeed’.

She remains proactive in supporting local partnerships and continues to work with the Government to provide support across the education sector.

"It is a great honour and immensely humbling to be recognised in this way," Miss Regan added.