A PRIMARY school has celebrated news that the work of one of its long standing volunteers has been recognised by the Queen.

Habidah Glass, who has volunteered at Clayton Village Primary School for around 16 years, featured in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list, and this morning the school celebrated her impressive achievement by holding a special assembly.

Mrs Glass was recognised for her services to education by being awarded a British Empire Medal in the list, which was announced late last month. She will pick up the medal later this year.

But the school couldn’t wait for her to get her award, and today held an assembly where they showed their appreciation for the 60 year old grandmother.

Mrs Glass worked in a primary school in Scarborough before moving to Clayton, and decided to volunteer in the school when her grandson Kieran started going there.

Kieran, now 20, was one of the guests at the assembly, where Mrs Glass was given a crown and sash and presented with flowers and a silk painting of herself in front of the entire school.

During the assembly pupils spoke about all she has done for the school, and video interviews of staff talking about her contribution to school life, recorded by pupils on Friday, were played to a tearful Mrs Glass.

Although she had been given an invitation to the assembly, she did not know what was planned until she entered the school hall to a standing ovation.

School head Rebecca Cradock spoke to pupils about the significance of the medal, and how proud the school was that one of its family had been recognised in this way.

Her volunteer work at the school includes reading to pupils, intervention sessions and accompanying sports teams on trips.

Office administrator at the school Vicky Drake said: “She was really surprised by the assembly.

“When the children at the assembly were asked who has worked with Mrs Glass, lots of them put there hands up.

“To all the children and a lot of the staff at the school Mrs Glass has always been here at the school.

“She works with all the year groups and with school sports teams.

“Pupils say her cheerleading skills are second to none.”

Mr Glass was also on the shortlist for the Voluntary Contribution category of the Telegraph & Argus School Awards in 2015.

The nomination praised her dedication and said she was “part of the fabric of the school.

“She always has a cheery smile and a warm word for every person she meets down the corridor.”