TWO schools in the Maldon district are celebrating the achievements of their staff after a prestigious annual awards ceremony.

The county council-run Essex Teaching Awards were held at Hylands House in Chelmsford on Tuesday.

The glitzy event saw schools from all over the county highlight their work in education.

In the Team of the Year Award, Sophie Hammond, of Collingwood Primary School, in South Woodham Ferrers, was highly commended.

In the Student Choice Award, Koray Gurur, of Thurstable School in Tiptree, won the gong.

Council education boss Ray Gooding said: “I’m delighted to have had another opportunity to celebrate the fantastic contribution our education colleagues make to the lives of children and young people across the county.

“The high number of nominations we received this year speaks volumes and each one is testament to the talent and skills we have in Essex.

“I’m pleased we’ve also had the opportunity to recognise our early years colleagues for the first time.

“Congratulations to everyone who won and those who were highly commended this year.”

The awards are now in their sixth year and celebrate outstanding teachers and school support staff across the county.