Two teachers from Hitchin won awards today (Thursday) at a regional education awards ceremony. Fran Bradshaw, headteacher at Whitehill Junior School, won headteacher of the year and Steve Mills, assistant head at William Ransom Primary School won teacher

Two teachers from Hitchin won awards today (Thursday) at a regional education awards ceremony.

Fran Bradshaw, headteacher at Whitehill Junior School, won headteacher of the year and Steve Mills, assistant head at William Ransom Primary School won teacher of the year at the East of England Teaching Awards in Norwich.

Both nominated in the primary school category, they triumphed over the competition to each receive a Plato - the top award and a symbol of excellence in education.

When asked the secret of her success, Mrs Bradshaw, who was nominated by a school governor, said: "The school, when I took it over 10 years ago, was in a sorry state. We set about creating a team and building the school for the future. The staff are all committed to getting children to love learning. We try to teach that you can achieve what you want to achieve if you believe in it."

Mr Mills, who was nominated by a student and her parents, said good education was all about his catchphrase, "opportunities and expectations".

He said: "We try to give them as many opportunities as we can - providing children with the opportunities to do well and then expecting them to do well.