FINALISTS and guests packed into the Backstage Centre, High House Production Park tonight to celebrate the winners of the third annual Thurrock Education Awards 2016.

The ceremony was hosted by former Paralympic athlete and world record holder Danny Crates, who was born in Orsett.

More than 400 entries were submitted from young people, parents and colleagues and the winners came from all over Thurrock.

The Outstanding Contribution to Education in Thurrock category was posthumously awarded to Ray Osborne for his significant contribution to young people in Thurrock. Ray was a school governor for 50 years, with many of them as Chair of Governors for St Clere’s School.

Speaking after the awards ceremony, James Halden, councillor responsible for education and health said: “I’m thrilled we are able to celebrate these professionals who have gone above and beyond for our young people.

“As well as those who have spent the majority of their lives to support education in Thurrock who are sadly no longer with us.

“The Education Awards is one important night in the calendar, but I know these people are out there on a daily basis driving up ambitions for Thurrock’s students.

“It has been a fantastic evening and I want to thank all the council staff, the team at High House Production Park and our sponsors for making it possible.”

The nights winners were:

Aspiring Leader, sponsored by ALM Training Services-Sian Rawson, William Edwards School

Creative Teaching and Learning, sponsored by High House Production Park Neil Moore, William Edwards School

Education Support Malcolm Wilson, Thameside Primary

Excellence in English and/or maths Laura Saunders, Somers Health Primary

Excellence in Science and Technology James Pickering, William Edwards School

Governing Board, sponsored by Kingston Smith LLP Corringham Primary School

Head teacher of the Year in Primary Education, sponsored by HW Wilson limited Tony Parfett, Quarry Hill Academy

Head teacher of the year in secondary education, special education, alternative or post-16 provision, sponsored by Port of Tilbury Penny Johnson, Grays Convent High School

Inspiring career opportunity, sponsored by Palmers Solicitors Frank Thompson, Thurrock Careers Service

Outstanding early years practitioner Lauren Arnell, Harris Primary Academy Chafford Hundred

Outstanding new teacher Gemma Bosworth, Quarry Hill Academy

Teacher of the year in a special school or alternative provision Lucy Meek, Treetops School

Teacher of the year in primary education Paco Garcia, Belmont Castle Academy

Teacher of the year in secondary education or post-16 provision, sponsored by ALM Training Services Matt Clark, The Gateway Academy

Outstanding Contribution to Education in Thurrock, sponsored by Port of Tilbury Ray Osborne