The deputy head of Penair School in Truro has won the coveted Windrush Education Champion Award. But Rob Sharp's loyalty to the school and to the village in which he lives took precedent and his family accepted the trophy on his behalf at a celebration in London.

Mr Sharp, the first black teacher to be appointed to a deputy headship in Cornwall, was unable to attend the ceremony as he was helping at a school function on Saturday afternoon and then helping to set up his local village for the fete in Probus on the Sunday morning.

On Monday, the whole school was celebrating the award made to their popular deputy head.

Mr Sharp is an inspiration to all teachers and also an excellent ambassador for the whole community in a mainly white county. But more than this, he has inspired many of his pupils to outstanding achievements through his diligence, dedication and enthusiasm. He has also encouraged people to go into the teaching profession as a role model no doubt assisted by his unique brand of humour.

When 39-year-old Rob was nominated by his wife, Kathy he said he felt "embarrassed".

He told the Packet that because he was unable to attend the ceremony his mother and brother went on his behalf.

When he moved to Penair School in April he had no idea this would happen, he said: "I feel that I do what I need to do in order to be a good professional."