THREE inspirational teachers from the region were last night honoured at the National Teaching Awards, popularly known as the Platos.

The region won the three awards out of only ten handed out at a ceremony in London, hosted by TV presenter Eamonn Holmes, to celebrate the achievements of exceptional teachers and assistants.

Among them was Tony Maxwell, from St Michael's RC Secondary School in Billingham, Teesside, who beat thousands of teachers across the country for the lifetime achievement in a secondary school award.

Mr Maxwell, who has taught at St Michael's for 37 years -his entire career -has helped improve GCSE results by 12 per cent in his eight years as headteacher, and has forged strong community links.

Paul Keogh, from King James' School, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, won the award for teacher of the year in a secondary school for his innovative approach to teaching pupils modern languages.

The pupil who nominated him wrote: "He is the most innovative, enthusiastic teacher I have ever, or will ever, come across. We try as hard as we can because we know he cares about what we produce, what we learn and how we grow as linguists and people."

Mr Keogh is also a committed fundraiser, having raised more than £10,000 for the NSPCC. He even appeared at assembly in a tutu to encourage pupils to take part in a fancy dress relay marathon.

Judith Howes, from Hardwick Primary School, Stockton, won the award for teaching assistant of the year for her work involving parents and families in their children's learning, in a deprived area of Stockton.

She has also encouraged parents to take part in courses, with many gaining qualifications and employment as a result.

Her initiatives have included starting up a breakfast club for 60 pupils and a "walking bus" run by community wardens and parents.

The winners all receive prizes worth £25,000 for their schools, and the awards ceremony will be screened on BBC2 on Thursday, at 11.20pm, and at 4.30pm on Saturday.