I enjoy helping children to become better citizens

SCHOOL governor Eric Crompton

Eric Crompton, chairman of governors for the Dove-Shell Federation, was shocked to hear he had been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.

A governor at St Thomas’ Moorside since 1998, he is now chairman of the federation St Thomas’ and East Crompton St James’.

Eric (85), of Albany Street, a former personnel manager at British Rail, is a family man and carer for his wife Mavis.

“I enjoy being a governor because I like being with the children and helping them to become better citizens,” he said.

Outside school, Eric is a long-standing parishioner at St Thomas’ Church, where he has sung in the choir and served as a church warden. Eric was nominated by Adam Laskey, executive head teacher of the federation.

He said: “I have known Eric since I became head of St Thomas’ in 2003. I quickly saw the fantastic people skills he had and the excellent relationships he had built over the years. He has been instrumental in the development of the school.

“Eric is always available any time and is a frequent visitor to school, where he catches up, meeting with the senior leadership team then visiting the classes to see staff and children.”