Excellence in Cities Award.

Steven Kirby, director of Chamber member, Stockton City Learning Centre (SCLC) was recently rewarded for his work with local children when he was named an Excellence in Cities Champion.

Steven's work involves promoting and developing excellence in innovation in education and he was the only person in the North East to win this award and the only person nationwide in this area of education to be successful.

The award was presented by the actress Angela Griffin and schools' minister David Miliband MP.

The winners were then treated to a trip around the sights, including a trip on the London Eye.

So what is this work that won the award?

Steven describes his work as threefold: to improve standards in education through the innovative use of technology; to improve life chances in the local community through education; and to promote the use of the CLC by businesses and link local people/ children to businesses.

The efforts of the last two and a half years are now paying off and Steven feels that the SCLC is raising standards.

"Children are beginning to truly enjoy learning, locals are coming into the centre and helping them enjoy learning and the life enhancement it offers is very fulfilling," says Steven.

"We are also helping businesses to prosper by using our facilities."