EDUCATION chiefs have recognised more than a thousand years of teaching and educational experience at a special celebration held earlier this week.

Forty teachers and support staff from schools across the borough were honoured at the exclusive dinner, held at the Civic Centre, which was hosted by Director of Lifelong learning Robert Garnett and Councillor Colin Ellar.

This year a number of teachers are being recognised for more than 40 years service, such as Anne Ryan for her 45 years in education, including 37 years at Lindon-Bennett school in Hanworth, a special school.

Pamela Crampton achieved 44 years of service in Hounslow, starting at Worple Road Junior School in September 1960. Since then she has worked at Marlborough Primary School, Springwell Junior School and Green Dragon Junior School, where she was appointed headteacher in September 1996. Pamela retired in July 2000 but came back to work as a special needs co-ordinator on a part-time basis at Fairholme School in September 2000.

Colin Ellar, executive member for lifelong learning, said the borough's parents should be proud of all those who have dedicated much of their teaching lives to schools across Hounslow.