A group that helps support Maldon school’s and youth clubs has awarded the retiring principle of Ormiston Rivers Academy an award.

The Burnham Rotary Club, a group who raise funds to support local, national and international charitable causes, presented Joan Costello with the Paul Harris Fellowship award.

It has been awarded to the principal in recognition of her outstanding service in educating the young people of the Dengie area.

Rotary is a global initiative where neighbours, friends, and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders, and take action to create lasting change in their communities.

The prestigious award is named after the founder of the Worldwide Rotary movement and can be awarded by a Rotary Club to either Rotarians or non-Rotarians.

In thanking the club for the award, which was presented by club president Dick Collins, Joan said she was delighted with the successes the students had achieved over last few years.

She is also confident the Academy’s future was assured under the new leadership team.