A HEADTEACHER from Bromsgrove has been awarded an OBE in the New Year's honours list for her services to education.

Heather Williams, from Harwood Park, was appointed head at Whitecrest Primary School, Sandwell, in September 1989.

She did her training at the former Shenstone College in Bromsgrove from 1967 to 70 and her entire teaching career of over 32 years has been spent at schools in the Sandwell area.

Preparing to greet her pupils at the start of the new term a modest Mrs Williams said: "I have accepted the award on behalf of all staff, governors and parents at Whitecrest school.

"There are lots of headteachers like me who work very hard and I am honoured to have been recognised."

Sandwell's cabinet member for education councillor Ian Jones commented: "This is very good news for Mrs Williams and for Whitecrest.

"This award shows that her dedication and commitment to education in Sandwell has been recognised at the highest level and I congratulate her." Music figures prominently in Mrs William's life and she is a member of the National School Band Association.