TWO members of staff at a Cotswold school who have served for 54 years between them in education have received Long Service Teaching Awards.

Linda Jeffcut, headeacher at Blockley C. of E. Primary School and Liz Drinkwater, literacy subject leader, have been recognised by Gloucestershire County Council after 25 years of continuous teaching service in the county's schools.

Mrs Jeffcut, who moved to the county in 1977 from teaching posts in Warwickshire and Oxfordshire said she has seen many changes in education over the years.

"I have worked with some amazing colleagues, supportive governors, interested parents and enthusiastic children," she said. "I love driving to work through wonderful countryside, I feel privileged to have taught in Gloucestershire for so long.

"I think awards like this will become more rare as people are moving in all jobs. We feel pleased and proud that we've worked for the county for this long."

Mrs Drinkwater, who started teaching in the county in 1978, is currently teaching the children of a pupil in one of her previous Blockley classes.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed watching thousands of children and students flourish on their educational journey," she said. "The biggest thrill is when 10 of the students I have mentored have become great teachers themselves."

Councillor Paul McLain, Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for children and young people, said: “We take a great deal of pride in those teachers who have shown such loyalty and commitment to schools in the county.

"Thousands of children have benefited from Liz and Linda’s hard work and dedication and I’m delighted we have been able to thank them.”