Winner: John Armstrong, of Kenton Bar Primary School Kenton Bar Primary School's caretaker John Armstrong is described as a "man of many talents". His previous career at the Swan Hunter shipyard has given him the skills to deal with subcontractors, prepare financial reports and manage staff. He is also incredibly creative and has enhanced the Newcastle school's grounds by producing wonderful friezes, buying tiles and getting staff to contribute to the final effort. Headteacher Tony Leonard said: "John Armstrong is a wonderful asset to our school. All the staff and children think very highly of him for many reasons, not least because he is so helpful. "No job is too much trouble and he moves furniture, mends drawers, paints walls, puts up pictures and so on, as soon as he is asked. "John is the model advertisement for our school." --------------------------------------------------------- Runner up: Michelle Hardy, of William Cassidi Church of England Aided Primary School Caretaker Michelle Hardy always has a cheery smile and an unstinting dedication to the job. She was singled out by pupils, staff and parents at William Cassidi Church of England Aided Primary School in Stockton for going the extra mile. Staff at the Stillington- based school said she deserves recognition for her loyalty, commitment and always being there to lend a hand. Michelle maintains the school to high standard and is capable of fixing any problems. In the morning she answers any calls that come into the school before the beginning of the school day and communicates with parents and the community on a regular basis. She helps out and supports the children and teachers in her spare time and lunch break and has helped the school secure much-needed funding for trips. She has even cancelled family holidays to ensure work is carried out in time for the new term. --------------------------------------------------------- Runner up: Brian Cunningham, of Viewley Hill Primary School Pupils at Viewley Hill Primary School describe their caretaker Brian Cunningham as `our hero'. Youngsters at the Middlesbrough primary school say the school would not be the same without their friend Brian and have nominated him for the Caretaker Of The Year award. He has made them a wooden train for the lower school playground by hand, numerous pieces of equipment for the school and is always available to help the pupils in their building projects. Nine-year-olds Anthony McQuade and Thomas Nicholson wrote about him, on behalf of all the staff and students. They said: "He is always fun to be around and he is never too busy to talk to us. Sometimes he even sits in the hall at lunchtimes reading his book while we eat our lunches. "Apart from being friendly and fun, he also spends time with the community helping them to improve our school environment. "He always respects us and we'll respect him forever throughout our lives, even after we leave Viewley Hill. The school just wouldn't be the same without him." | 
Northumberland