by Emma Grove

A teacher who has inspired hundreds of Sheppey children in a career spanning more than three decades has been recognised in the New Year Honours list.

Paul Murray, head of community cohesion at the Isle of Sheppey Academy's west site, has been made an MBE for services to education.

The 56-year-old, who has spent his whole teaching career on the Island, said he was shocked to receive the award.

Mr Murray, who lives in Maidstone with his wife Margaret, is in his 36th year of teaching, having embarked on his career at the age of 21.

He was born in Durham and studied history at the city's university before moving to Kent in 1975 to teach at Danley Middle School.

In 1987 he moved to the then Sir Thomas Cheyne School and stayed there as it became Cheyne Middle School in 1990 and the academy in 2009.

Mr Murray worked as a PE teacher and a humanities teacher before taking up his current post at the academy in Jefferson Road, Sheerness.

He said he has found it hard to come to terms with being given the award as he feels there are lots of other people who are more deserving.

He added: "The kids are the best thing about the job, they are just brilliant, and the parents who have been so supportive over the years.

"There's lots of people I work with that are better teachers than I am. There's lots of people who do lots of brilliant stuff with the kids - there's so many, I just happen to have been mentioned.

"I just love Sheppey, there's something about it. I only wish Sunderland FC played down here - it would make things easier."

Mr Murray credits his parents with driving him to work hard and go to university and says they are very proud.

He added that the award has made him think about other real heroes, such as Daniel Holkham, the 19-year-old rifleman who died in March in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

He said: "I think he was a real hero, a young lad with such courage, and it's hard to put yourself in the same category as someone like that."

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Alan Klee, executive head at the academy's west site, has known Mr Murray for eight years and has worked closely with him since the academy opened.

He said: "We are delighted that all his hard work has finally been recognised.

"He has worked for more than 35 years in the community and he has done some fantastic work over that period.

"Lots of students have benefited from his energies and commitment.

"He's a great colleague and is really deserving of the honour that has been bestowed on him.

"His commitment is amazing, he works all the hours God sends, evenings and weekend as well, with nothing but a smile on his face. I'm really pleased - it's fantastic."