Pauline Waterhouse, Principal of Blackpool and The Fylde College has been awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for services to education.

Commenting on her award, she said:

"I am delighted to have been recognised in this way. I'm passionate about the power of Further Education to make a difference not only to the lives of individuals, but to whole communities as well. It's a very great privilege to work in an area of education that - perhaps more than any other - is dedicated to creating better life chances for young people and adults. However, whatever I've achieved would not have been possible without the support of the talented team of colleagues who work with me. The award is testament to the achievement and success of the staff, governors and students at Blackpool and The Fylde College."

Vice Principals Catherine Hill and Ruth Paisley were first to add their congratulations, saying:

"I am sure everyone involved with the College will want to join us in passing our congratulations to the Principal on the exciting news that she has been awarded an OBE. This award is very well deserved and reflects the immense amount of hard work she does for both Blackpool and the Fylde College and the whole of the FE sector."

Well done, Pauline. We are all very proud of you!