A TECHNICAL college and two of its inspirational teachers have picked up prestigious national awards.

Energy Coast UTC in Lillyhall ,Workington is set to receive a Silver National Pearson Award along with its principal Cherry Tingle and vice principal Kerryann Wilson.

As recipients of the Silver Award, it is also eligible for 14 Gold Awards.

Teachers and the technical college were selected from thousands of nominations.

The members of staff were presented with a Silver Pearson National Teaching Award trophy at Energy Coast UTC on Wednesday.

Cherry Tingle has received silver in The Award for Headteacher of the Year in a Secondary School.

She was praised by Ofsted for transforming the college, skilfully developing and building a highly motivated, ambitious and dedicated team.

Kerryann Wilson won a Silver Award in The Award for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School and is now one of just 10 teachers eligible for the Gold Award.

Energy Coast UTC was received silver in The Award for Making a Difference – Best Secondary School of the Year.

Rod Bristow, President of Pearson UK, said: “Congratulations to all of our Silver Award winners for their commitment, dedication and passion for their work. Despite the incredible challenges they have faced over the past few months, school staff have risen to the occasion time and again."

He added: “It is so important to recognise and celebrate teachers, teaching assistants and lecturers for the impact they have on our young people every year, and that is why Pearson is delighted to support these awards.”

Education secretary Gavin Williamson said: “My warmest congratulations go to all this year’s silver award winners. They should be proud to receive this recognition of their commitment to the profession, and the outstanding education and guidance they provide for their students."

He added: “Teachers and school staff up and down the country consistently go above and beyond for their students, and this is especially true over the past few months.”