A NORTH-EAST woman has spoken of her joy after winning an award for helping school governors.

Ann Turner, from Hartlepool, was named North-East winner of the National Association of Governors and Managers' Award for Outstanding Clerks.

The award recognises the work carried out by clerks who provide advice, guidance and administrative help to school governors.

It was sponsored by the Department for Education and Skills, the Times Educational Supplement and Best Absence Management Services.

Ms Turner was presented with a certificate and prize by former chief inspector of schools Mike Tomlinson at a ceremony in Birmingham.

Ms Turner's citation referred to her professionalism and pride in her work. She has worked with governors for more that 20 years and looks after 19 schools in Hartlepool.

Her work includes convening meetings and helping set agendas, preparing guidance notes, giving advice about procedures and regulations, and writing reports and minutes.

Ms Turner was nominated for the award by Barnard Grove Primary School.

She said: "This was a wonderful surprise and a tremendous honour. I love my job, and it has brought me into contact with lots of people from all walks of life.

"Governors play a vital part in our schools and it gives me a lot of satisfaction to be working with them to help them meet the demands and challenges of their role."