A TEACHER is to receive a county council award after notching up 25 years' service.

Len Parker will start the New Year in style when he is presented with a Worcestershire County Council award for the 25 years he has spent at South Bromsgrove High School.

The Kidderminster man began his career working in the carpet industry in his hometown before embarking on a career in teaching at the Charford Road school.

Working as a teacher in the design faculty he brought with him a wealth of industrial insight.

However, he decided to further his knowledge, studying for a degree with the Open University and is now assistant head of the department.

Popular with both children and other members of staff, Len has helped many students achieve top grades in their design work.

He will be presented with an award for a quarter of a century's service in a ceremony in the New Year. School assistant head Malcolm Davies said: "He has been an asset to the school, bringing with him a great deal industrial of experience." He also said Len, who is married with children, will probably spend the rest of his working life at the high school.