Teachers from North Yorkshire were among those honoured with "Oscars" of the education world.

The teachers and teaching assistants were presented with their awards at a ceremony at Cutlers Hall, Sheff-ield, South Yorkshire.

Christopher Lewis, who has been head of Thirsk Secondary School, for 16 years, won The Leadership Trust Award for School Leadership in a Primary School.

He was praised for his dynamism, vision and great drive, but chastised for one flaw - being unable to take praise graciously.

The judges wrote: "The school has high expectations of all of its pupils and it is never disappointed."

Teresa Pridmore, of Boroughbridge High School, in York, was nominated by her pupils and awarded Teaching Assistant of the Year.

She was praised by judges for being full of ideas for improvements, and giving her spare time to help pupils.

They said: "If there is one thing that stands out about Teresa, it is her ability to see the children's work through the eyes of those children, recognising the challenges it presents and speaking to them in a way they understand to better tackle those challenges."

Sue Uffindall, who has taught for 30 years and works at Ripon College, Ripon, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement award.

She has played key roles in building the school's special educational needs department and mentoring new teachers.

College principal Paul Lowery, said: "I really don't know how she consistently maintains the pace. If only we could all have her level of enthusiasm, energy and dedication."

Other winners included Christine Unsworth, of Lowfield Secondary School, in York, who received a special commendation in the Lifetime Achievement category.

Each of the winners were awarded £3,000 packages for their school, comprising a £2,000 cash grant and £1,000 worth of computer equipment.

They will now go forward to a national final to be held on October 27.