FOR the second year running, a headteacher from East Lancashire has been crowned the best in the North West.

Iain Hulland, of Alder Grange Community and Technology College, Rawtenstall, was one of four winners from the area in the Regional teaching Awards 2004.

Last year, the Promethean Award for Headteacher of the Year was won by Stephen Ball, of Ivy Bank Business and Enterprise College, Burnley. This year's awards were held at Knowsley Hall, Liverpool, and three other teachers and assistants followed Mr Hulland to the winners' podium.

He said: "Headteachers do not do it for the accolade, but because we love the job, love the school and love the people in it, and we want them to have the best and be the best."

Head since 1997, Mr Hulland has chalked up an outstanding reputation which has earned him a place alongside the best in the profession. He has overseen the school gain technology status, and more recently the Healthy Schools Standard.

Jeannette Brown, 41, who has worked at Lower Darwen County Primary for more than 10 years, scooped £4,500 for the school when she was named Teaching Assistant of the Year. She has dedicated hundreds of hours of extra time to the school, not least in organising an original 'story sack' idea, where a bag of props is used to boost literacy.

Christine Charnock, who works at Turton and Edgworth CE Primary School, won the award for lifetime achievement in a primary school. Tony Charnock scooped lifetime achievement in a secondary school for his dedication to Holy Cross RC High School, Chorley.

Special commendation went to Avril Ormisher, who has been at St Bede's RC High School in Blackburn for 12 years, for excellence in special needs teaching.

All regional winners receive £2,000 for their school, and a grant of £2,500 for ICT equipment. All go on to a national televised final, with a further £23,000 up for grabs, in London on October 24.