A HEADTEACHER from Worcestershire said he was honoured to be named among the finalists in the Public Servant of the Year 2005 competition.

David Seddon, principal of Baxter College, Kidderminster, beat off competition from 180 nominees and is shortlisted with two others in the Nothing is Impossible category.

The award recognises managers who have achieved a positive turn-around - in Mr Seddon's case transforming Baxter College's falling pupil numbers and standards by improving teaching, doubling exam results and increasing staying-on rates.

Category winners and the overall accolade - for which he is still in the running - will be announced at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel, in London, on Thursday, April 21.

"I feel deeply honoured but very humble to be considered worthy of such a prestigious award," said Mr Seddon.

"However, credit must be given to given to the outstanding Baxter teams consisting of staff, governors, parents and students.

"If I am fortunate enough to win the Nothing is Impossible Award, it would be a worthy acknowledgement of everyone's effort."