A HEADTEACHER has been shortlisted for a regional award.

Pupils from Hurworth School Maths and Computing College nominated Dean Judson as headteacher of the year in the North-East Schools Awards. He was one of three to be shortlisted.

Mr Judson, who has been headteacher at Hurworth since September and was acting head for three years before that, said he was delighted that he had been nominated.

He said: "It is excellent. This one's really special because the children nominated me.

"It is nice when pupils think you're doing a good job."

Nick Barnard, 13, who was one of the pupils who nominated Mr Judson, said: "He is always looking out for people.

"He has an office which looks out on the yard and he is always there, checking no bullying is going on.

"He talks to you like you're really a person and he always says hello to you when you're walking down the corridor.

"He is the best headteacher I have ever had."

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held on Thursday.