CUMBRIA'S education heroes were celebrated on Thursday,October 7, as part of the Golden Apples awards.

After a year like no other for education professionals, having faced home schooling, isolation bubbles, remote learning and virtual classrooms, they gathered at the awards to hear inspirational stories about those who went the extra mile to keep their pupils learning.

The awards were presented by Newsquest Cumbria – publishers of the News & Star, The Mail, The Cumberland News, The Westmorland Gazette, The Whitehaven News and The Times and Star.

The winner of the Golden Apples award, under the category of Best Support Staff, has been announced, and has been awarded to Dawn Burkinshaw, of Whitehaven Academy.

The Best Support Staff award is an award for an individual or team of vital “backroom” staff in any setting which delivers education or training.

It must be shown how: they always give exceptional service and; they make a real difference to their establishment through their work

Dawn Burkinshaw said of the victory: "I am honoured really.

"I am still sort of taken aback, and I am still shocked for having won, but still really honoured, firstly for the nomination, and secondly that the judges thought I was worthy of winning it.

"The ceremony was great.

"I went with my husband but we were also on a table of staff from the Whitehaven Academy."

The awards celebrate a wide variety of excellence within education.

Of the other awards that were given out to people, groupsm and organisations witihin the education industry, Ulverston Victoria High School saw two people take home awards, with Nick Hall awarded Best Teaching Professional, and Cody Coupe taking Best Student.

Nacro Education, Carlisle, took Best Further Education Provider, and First Class Kids were awarded Best Early Years.

Best Community Initiative went to Skills 4 U - Home to Work, Best Use of Technology went to Inglewood Junior School and Best Teaching Assistant was awarded to Drusilla Farr of Pennine Way Primary.

Victoria Morgan of Lakes College was awarded with Best Industry Engagement Initiative, while Oliver Stewart took home the award for Best Education Profession Newcomer.

The Lifetime Achievement award went to Beth Rothery, whilst Against All Odds was won by Jack Griffiths.

Jack, a Furness College student, won for his learning achievements and overcoming personal challenges with his disabilities.

He said: "“Thank you to everyone and it means a lot and I feel as though as must I have done well and I have put the hard work in and I feel really good and happy about being nominated for these awards.”

Editor Vanessa Sims said: "The Golden Apples Awards is a highlight in the Cumbrian calendar and all those nominated could have easily be crowned outstanding winners in their own right.

"Our judges said the standard of entries was so high their job had been harder than ever.

"Newsquest Cumbria and LocalIQ is proud to play its part in promoting all the wonderful work which is taking place in the county on a daily basis."

The awards were sponsored by Energy Coast UTC, Furness College, BAE Systems, Lakes College, South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust, Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, The University of Cumbria, The Careers and Enterprise Company and Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership.