INSPIRATIONAL stories were heard about Worcestershire's teachers, support staff, cub leaders and businesses at a glittering awards ceremony.

The winners of the Worcester News Worcestershire Education Awards were finally revealed after a drinks reception and dinner at the University of Worcester's Severn campus.

We teamed up with the University of Worcester to run the Worcester News Worcestershire Education Awards for the first time.

Guests heard from motivational speaker Jamie McDonald, a world-recording breaking adventurer, who told them they all had a superhero within.

At the event, Peter John, Worcester News editor, said: "We hoped this would be an inspiring event and I'm already feeling that.

"This is the first time we've done this and we didn't know what to expect but the nominations came in very quickly. And they kept coming in."

David Green, vice chancellor said: "The role of local newspapers is really important in society in helping to hold those who have positions of power and influence to account.

"And making sure that that issues are discussed and debated and focusing also on bringing the community together and publishing the many good news stories and the very positive things which happen in our society."

Professor Green showed an inspirational video about athlete Marc Scriven and said: "This is what all these fantastic teachers are doing here this evening - inspiring people for life."

Twelve of the 36 finalists took home awards including Teacher of the Year, Support Staff of the Year, Fit for Life and Unsung Hero.

Among them was Chris Allen, headmaster at Bowbrook House School, who won Headteacher/Principal of the year, while his school was named Secondary School of the Year.

He said: "We were surprised but at the same time so humbled by the recognition.

He added: "There were inspirational stories coming through.

"The three headteachers in the final were very different, one from a Pupil Referral Unit, a large state school and an inclusive, all-age independent school.

"It's nice to have that recognition."

Marcus Hart, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member for education, was at the event.

He said: "It was very inspiring.

"I sincerely hope this will be the first of many.

"There are some inspirational teachers throughout Worcestershire."

*Don't miss our fantastic 24-page supplement on Monday for all the news and pictures from the event.

The winners were:

College of Post-18 Education and Training provider: Herefordshire and Worcestershire Group Training Association

Community Involvement: Discover History

Early Years Education: Cornmeadow Early Years

Fit for Life: Jamie Boswell, St Joseph's Catholic Primary

Headteacher/Principal of the Year: Chris Allen, Bowbrook House School

Newcomer of the Year: Zoe Harris, Museum of Royal Worcester

Primary School of the Year: Hollymount School

Secondary School of the Year: Bowbrook House

Special Education Needs: Julia Wright, Hanley Castle High School

Support Staff of the Year: Laura Dean, Pershore High School

Teacher/Lecturer of the Year: Georgie Lott, Nunnery Wood High School

Unsung Hero: Dennis Simpson, Stourport High School and Sixth Form