THE headteacher of a Darlington special school is to become a dame.

Dela Smith, who has been headteacher at Beaumont Hill Special School since 1992, said she was "absolutely stunned" by the news.

"I am very deeply moved to be honoured in this way - it's quite humbling," she said.

"It's due to the tremendous people I've worked with and the huge amount of support from the community."

The 48-year-old, who has also taught at the town's Mayfair and Dinsdale Park schools, said it had been difficult to keep the good news to herself.

She said: "I received the letter in May and have had to go almost a month without saying anything."

Mrs Smith receives the award for services to education for children with special needs.

Beaumont Hill caters for youngsters from the ages of two to 19 with a wide range of learning difficulties. It was awarded technology college status in 1999 because of its achievements as a centre of excellence.

l The news comes just 12 months after Denise Murray of Beaumont Hill was awarded Classroom Assistant of the Year in the Teaching Awards 2000.