A WELL-LOVED school cleaner has been awarded a British Empire Medal for her work during the pandemic.

Christina Taylor, known as Tina, played a hugely important role at both Pendle Primary and Casterton Primary academies at a time when they were closed to most children.

Both schools are members of the Pendle Education Trust, which has expressed its huge admiration for its colleagues achievement.

A spokesperson said: "Huge congratulations to Tina Taylor, who works at both Pendle Primary and Casterton Primary academies.

"Earlier this week, Tina received a phone call from Buckingham Palace informing her she will be awarded with a BEM for her invaluable work throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Tina has worked tirelessly, walking between schools when they remained open to key worker children to open up, lock up, serve dinners, clean, help out with after school clubs and lots more.

"She will be a familiar face to all staff who worked at the Casterton hub during the first lockdown in 2020 when we were lucky enough to have a Zoom call with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

"From all of your Pendle Education Trust family members, congratulations Tina, we can't wait to hear all about receiving the Medal."