The North-East's most inspiring and unforgettable teachers and teaching assistants were today honoured in the Oscars of teaching world.

The BT Teaching Awards held at Newcastle's Assembly Rooms paid tribute to the tireless work carried out by teachers every day.

The Leadership Trust Award for School Leadership in a Primary School went to Neil Parker of Heighington Church of England Primary School, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

According to his testimonial, he has often been called in to help revive other schools "with his talent for balancing the practicalities of running what is in effect a small business with the emotional content of a thriving school".

He said: "It is a wonderful feeling. Everyone at the school has contributed for this to happen _the parents, the governors, the wonderful children who are so motivated and fine teachers. I am here taking their accolade."

The Guardian Award for Outstanding New Teacher went to Riosin McVeigh of Wolsingham School and Community College, Bishop Auckland.

Ms McVeigh has restarted a long dead debating society, formed new clubs and inspired a new interest in history.

The BT Award for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School was won by Maureen Stephenson of St Mary's RC First School, Newcastle, while the Award for Lifetime Achievement was taken by Joan Lister of Ashfield Nursery School, Newcastle.

The winners took homed a prize package worth £3,000 for their school and those who got a commendation won £250 for their school.

Regional winners will go on to the 2002 Teaching Awards Ceremony in London in October.

Special commendees were: BT Award for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School: Neil McGrath, Woodham Community Technology, Newton Aycliffe and Sue Davies, Thornhill Secondary School Sunderland.

The Leadership Trust Award for School Leadership in a Primary School: Pat Barker, Cotherstone Primary School, Barnard Castle and Michael Harris, Middleton-in-Teesdale Primary and Nursery School, Barnard Castle. Guardian Award for Outstanding New Teacher: Timothy Cassap, St Michael's RC Primary School, Durham; Clare Powell, Abbey Hill School Technology College, Stockton; Peter Burn, Manor College of Technology, Hartlepool. Award for School and Community Involvement: John Maddison, Wolsingham School and Community College, Bishop Auckland and teachers assistant of the year: John Jamieson, Blakeston Community School, Stockton.