A group of staff from schools across Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool have been recognised for their commitment and long service.

The 62 staff members have accumulated 975 years’ service between them and work for Ad Astra Academy Trust which has ten primary schools under its umbrella.

The long service awards, which ranged from 10 years to 35 years, were presented recently at local events in schools with each employee receiving a letter from Ad Astra CEO Andy Brown OBE, a certificate and long service badge.

Chris Twiby, who has been headteacher at Crooksbarn Primary School in Norton for the last 15 years, said: “I started out as a newly qualified teacher (NQT) in Manchester 30 years ago and it really has been a privilege to be involved in teaching across diverse communities during my career.

“Every classroom, every culture and every colleague has shaped the journey, and I am so grateful to have worked alongside some truly remarkable people along the way.”

Rob Bradbury, who teaches 10/11-year-olds at Barnard Grove Primary School in Hartlepool received an award for 20 years’ service.

He commented: “I am very proud to have had a positive impact on lots of children over the last 20 years and have enjoyed working with such supportive staff.

“The award means a lot to me, and I think it is good that long service and loyalty is recognised in this way.”

The ten primary schools within Ad Astra Academy Trust are Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.

Martyn Ingram, Ad Astra’s Human Resources Manager added: “Our staff are the bedrock of Ad Astra and the ten schools that provide education and support to over 3,500 pupils.

“As a Trust, we feel it is really important to recognise staff for their dedication and hard work, and this is a way of thanking staff and showing our appreciation for their commitment and loyalty to the Trust.”

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and employees over 500 staff.