ONE of the eldest nominees at this year’s Schools Awards, Leslie Gore’s passion for improving the lives of children has never faltered.

The Crossflatts Primary School governor has committed his life to serving the community, work which his school felt deserves to be rewarded.

Nicola Bennett, headteacher at Crossflatts, said: “Leslie has made it his life’s work to be a pillar of the community.

“He always goes above and beyond for the children.

“Last year he worked with the National Trust to plants hundreds of trees at the school with the children, to teach them the importance of leaving a lasting legacy.

“I don’t know where we would be without Mr Gore; he supports us, he challenges us, he’s a friendly face and has such a long life experience that he can turn his hand to anything, whether that be planting trees, supporting me or helping with the school budget. He has got true Northern grit.”

Mr Gore said he was “humbled” to discover he had been shortlisted for the Governor award.

He said: “I only hope that between us we can influence people to participate with children, parents and teachers, and to see the benefits that will grow with the children.”