The assistant head teacher of a Sheppey school has been recognised as one of the top teachers in the south east.

Paul Murray, 53, who also teaches humanities at Cheyne Middle School, Jefferson Road, Sheerness, came second in his category in the regional heat of the Teaching Awards.

BBC presenter Beverly Thompson gave him the engraved glass award at a ceremony in Canterbury Cathedral. The awards recognise outstanding commitment to the success of Britain’s schools.

He came second in the Teaching Award for Enterprise category. The winner came from a school in Tenterden.

He said: “I am very proud for the school and it is good to have something positive for the Island to celebrate for a change because it constantly gets knocked. This award is really for all the children, parents and staff – and I thank them all because the work we do in the community is amazing.”

Mr Murray, who hails from Sunderland, started his career on the Island at Danley Middle School in 1975. In 1987 he moved to the former Sir Thomas Cheyne Boys’ School until it amalgamated with the girls’ school in 1990 to become Cheyne Middle School.

Caroline Evans, chief executive of the Teaching Awards, said: “I am delighted to congratulate all our award-winners who deserve every bit of praise and applause.

“They are real heroes among their colleagues, pupils and parents and now the wider world knows what a difference they make.”