COPELAND'S education and learning heroes have been honoured at a glittering awards ceremony.

The 2015 Golden Apple Awards were held in Carlisle last Friday, with 19 categories rewarding excellence, dedication and achievements across the county.

Family-run Woodend Country Childcare at Lamplugh and Mayfield School, Whitehaven, each picked up two trophies.

Helen Scott, 23, of St Benedict’s Catholic High School, in Whitehaven, was named outstanding new teacher.

Lakes College also enjoyed a share in two awards. Its Graduates training restaurant, where students prepare, cook and serve meals to paying customers, won the new Award for Enterprise category while Jamie Lee Robinson, who works at Tata Steel in Workington and trained at the Lillyhall campus, was named apprentice of the year. 

Danny Braithwaite, the college's assistant principal curriculum operations, said: “The Golden Apples are a great opportunity to bring in to the spotlight some of the amazing, staff, students and projects that happen across Cumbria, behind closed doors. 

"We look forward to the event every year and to have three nominations and then take home two awards is a real achievement. Well done to all the winners and nominees!”

Highlighting the strong support for children with complex needs, Woodend Country Childcare won the new inclusion category and received the early years award. 

Claire Sharpe started the facility nearly 13 years ago, drawing upon her experience as a parent of a disabled child. Her son Jonathan, now aged 19, has cerebral palsy and a range of complex needs.

Claire was at the ceremony with husband Kenneth, daughter Hannah (Jonathan’s twin) and nursery deputy manager Sophie Hall. 

She said: “We’re absolutely delighted. We didn’t expect to get the inclusion one so when we did we thought there was no way we’d win two, but we did. The early years one was the one I really wanted to win too.” 

While Mayfield School saw teacher Caroline Jourdain receive the technology in learning award and Alison Harper named teaching assistant of the year. 

Headteacher Gillian Temple said: “I have to congratulate all the staff but it is great for these ladies to come here and be recognised for what they do. They often are the unsung heroes so it is great to be honoured like this. 

“We’ll be holding an assembly to share them with the children.” 

Helen Scott is a former pupil at St Benedict's School. She trained at the University of Cumbria before returning to her former school last year to teach PE and performing arts. She is involved in the school's popular Rock Challenge project.

She said: "I'm absolutely delighted. I didn't expect it at all because there are lots that do the same thing as me every day. It was nice to be nominated but to win it was even better!"

Winners and finalists were chosen by a judging panel.

The University of Cumbria and Inspira sponsored the awards. 

Other supporters included Lakes College, law firm Burnetts, Britain’s Energy Coast and Furness College.