THERE were tales of sheer dedication and huge inspiration - plus a six-year-old girl who stole the show.

East Lancashire’s education heroes were honoured during a heart-warming ceremony at Stanley House Hotel in Mellor.

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The Lancashire Telegraph’s Schools Awards produced some moving and spirited stories about people who had gone the extra mile. and have enriched the lives of all those in a particular school.

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Awards were handed out to 11 deserving schools, teachers and pupils in categories including Lifetime Achievement and Unsung Hero.

But the biggest applause of the night went to six-year-old Alisha Cowell, from Shadsworth Infant School, who won the Primary School Pupil of the Year prize.

After collecting her trophy and certificate, she was handed the microphone and asked the audience if she could read a prepared, hand-written acceptance speech.

She said: “I’m very proud of my award. My head teacher is called Mrs Crompton and she nominated me because I try hard every day.

“I come to school even when I feel a bit ill, and I remember my reading book every day.”

The awards evening was the culmination of dozens of excellent entries from across Pennine Lancashire and some difficult judging sessions earlier this month.

Judges said time and time again that the level of dedication was ‘impressive’, both from the education professionals and the pupils alike. Many of the nominations were incredibly moving and some marked the end of long careers spent in teaching; others were designed to praise and encourage youngsters at the beginning of their educational lives and to reward those who inspired others.

One thing which united all the winners and the highly-commended nominees was that every one of them was passionate about education and willing to work hard to achieve their success.

Lancashire Telegraph editor Kevin Young said: “I think everyone will agree that the awards evening was a very special and inspiring night where 11 deserving winners from across Pennine Lancashire were honoured.

“The judges had a very difficult task selecting the winners from a strong field.

“The awards proved once again that we have more than our fair share of outstanding schools, teachers and pupils here in East Lancashire.”