SCHOOLS liaison manager Karen Wilson has proved to be top of the class after being voted employee of the year by her college peers.

The award is in recognition of her work at Darlington College of Technology, where she works with hundreds of youngsters under 16 from local schools.

Mrs Wilson was nominated from 554 staff at the college and the final decision was taken by senior bosses.

The 33-year-old said: "I was really surprised and am over the moon. It is always nice to be recognised for your work.

"My job cuts across all the college's functions and I could not do it effectively without the support of everyone working here."

As pre-16 schools liaison manager, she works with the town's secondary schools to highlight the value of vocational education.

"I'm there to provide year 11 pupils with information on the college so that they can make an informed decision about their futures," she said.

Mrs Wilson will be presented with her award at Darlington Civic Theatre on November 8.