‘Proud’ Gary is region’s best

ALL SMILES: Gary Melling shows off his North-West Rugby League teacher of the year award.

Rugby: 

SADDLEWORTH School’s Gary Melling has been named 2014 North-West Rugby League teacher of the year.

Gary, who has taught PE at the school for 13 years, received his award at the Champions Schools’ finals day at the Richmond Athletics Centre. The prize is part of the English Schools’ RL celebrations.

Melling also won four tickets for the Challenge Cup final at Wembley on Saturday - where he and his family watched former Saddleworth head boy Kevin Sinfield lift the trophy from Leeds.

Delighted Gary said: “I was flattered just to have been nominated for such an award. Praise like this is so rewarding and I feel humbled. I enjoy my job immensely, so to be recognised makes me so proud.”

Melling, who organises and officiates and is also coach of son Daniel’s Saddleworth Rangers under-eights team, had to sit among the Castleford fans at Wembley — but that didn’t reduce his enjoyment.

“It was a brilliant day, and to see Kevin finally lift that trophy was a very proud day for our school,” added Melling.