AN East Lancashire headteacher was crowned as the best in the country last night and said: "I am just an ordinary bloke doing a job that I love."

Iain Hulland, of Alder Grange Community and Technology College, Rawtenstall, was overwhelmed when he was declared headteacher of the year live on national television.

After, beating off 17 other finalists from across the UK and being presented with the Promethean Award for Head Teacher of the Year by actress Imogen Stubbs, Mr Hulland, said he could have never expected to be awarded such an accolade.

The National Teaching Awards 2004 was organised by the Teaching Awards Trust and was supported by the Department for Education and Skills and all the main politcal parties.

After attending the awards ceremony, hosted by Eamonn Holmes at the Palace Theatre in London's West End and shown on BBC 2 last

night, Mr Hulland was then whisked off to a celebratory gala dinner.

He said: "I am not sure how I am feeling because I never expected to win.

"I know it is a cliche but it really did come as a tremendous shock. I am just an ordinary bloke from Rossendale doing a job that I love.

"I would prefer the spot light to be on the kids, because that is where it truly belongs. It is great to bring this award home to Lancashire. That is what makes me most proud."

"But the fact that the award comes from nominations from pupils, colleagues and the community is very moving and extremely humbling."

Head since 1997, Mr Hulland -- formerly a history teacher at Habergham High School, Burnley -- has chalked up an outstanding reputation which has earned him a place alongside the best in the profession. He has overseen the school, which has 660 pupils, gain technology status last year, and more recently the Healthy Schools Standard.

Mr Hulland, himself puts his and the schools success down to developing a climate which enables children to feel self esteem.

He added: "My role is to enable children to excel in what they are good at - whatever that may be, and so I involve the children in as many decision making processes as possible."

Under his leadership the school was given the first ever Listening School Award and also gained Leading Edge status.

Staff and pupils from the school praised Mr Hulland's leadership and said that he has high expectations and gets the best out of every child. As well as being fair and friendly.

One teacher added: "He is a man with a vision which has transformed our school - but I don't think he saw this one coming!"

Mr Hulland said: "It has been an incredible experience but from my point of view I still have a job to do and this has energised me to go on."

And for his next challenge, Mr Hulland, an avid climber, is planning to scale Everest.

Each of the ten winners on the night were given a prize of £25,000 to take back to the school.