Parent Irene Ellershaw worked for 14 years as a volunteer member of the PTA at Carnforth high school, Lancashire In that time she helped raise thousands of pounds for the school, organising car boot sales, spring fairs, refreshments for parents’ evenings and discos for pupils. Now Irene has officially joined the staff, running the school shop on a part-time basis, selling school uniform and stationery. Headteacher Pau Legon says Irene is a gem with just the right mix of authority and humour: “Nothing is too much trouble for her and everything is done with a cheery smile.”

Please send the name of your Friday Hero - and why he or she should get a bouquet - to Sarah Bayliss, TES Friday, Admiral House, 66-68 East Smithfield, London E1W 1BX, or e-mail sarah.bayliss@tes.co.uk. Flowers kindly supplied by Marks and Spencer