Inspirational teachers and support staff were celebrated at City College Norwich's annual awards night.

The nominations for the eight awards categories were made by fellow staff and this year students were also invited to make nominations, which were then judged by a panel of staff.

Technology lecturer Stephen Gallagher was named winner in the 21st Century Staff: Teacher of the Year category.

He received more than 16 nominations from students and from fellow colleagues, and was praised for taking on new groups of students during the academic year – guiding them to impressive results in the process.

He said: 'It was a shock to win the award.

'I started the year teaching three hours a week and now I am doing 33 or 34.

'It's lovely to help talented students to get on to higher level courses or, to see one of the students I taught who really struggled with her reading and writing at the beginning, to then succeed and get a job.'

Sam Floyd, information store manager, won the 21st Century Staff: Leader of the Year award, and the Principal's award, chosen by principal, Dick Palmer, went to contract services manager John Wheeler.

Mr Wheeler, who has been working at City College Norwich for 31 years, was described as being 'an excellent example of a customer focused, expert, solution provider', who is 'always enthusiastic and prepared to go the extra mile.'.

Mr Wheeler said: 'I was ever so pleased, delighted, and also a bit shocked.

'For me the award is great, but it is also a reflection of the great support and hard work of the team I have worked with down the years.'

Mr Palmer said: 'We have a fantastic bunch of staff here, in terms both of our teachers and those in business support roles, of whom we are really proud.'

Has your employer recently honoured staff? Call Evening News reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.