Marlene's honour

EDUCATION Worker Award winner Marlene Armitage (left) recieves her certificate from Debbie Abrahams MP

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LONG-STANDING school governor Marlene Armitage who has served the children and families of her community for 42 years was the winner of Pride in Oldham's Education Worker Award.

Marlene, of Broadway, Chadderton, has served as school governor of Parish Church Junior School since the 1970s and has recently ensured it successfully amalgamated with St Stephens to become a new school Holy Cross CofE Primary School.

Her incredible services to the community were recognised by the Queen earlier this year when she was awarded Maundy money at the Maundy Ceremony, at Windsor Castle.

"I'm absolutely astounded to win this award. It's a great honour and tops off a fantastic year when I also met the Queen at Windsor Castle."

Someone Royton and Crompton School just can't manage without was a finalist in this category.

Caretaker Malcolm Campbell, described as the "backbone" of the school, was simply covering a period of absence back in 2009 aged 65.

Seven years later he's still there, regularly going above and beyond to help the school and its staff.

Enjoying

"This is a very proud moment for me," said Malcolm, who is also a highly regarded football scout who spent last season at Latics and is now based at Rochdale AFC.

"I keep wondering how long I can go on for but I'm still doing it and still enjoying working at Royton and Crompton School."

Steve Hill is known as the daring deputy head at St Joseph's RC Primary School, in Shaw.

His high-octane adventures have raised thousands for charities and earned him an MBE from the Queen.

As a runner-up in the Education Worker Award he said: "It's lovely to be nominated for something like this in your home town. The children are a big part of this for me and hopefully I can keeping inspiring them for many years to come with my bonkers challenges."