SHAW deputy head Steve Hill has been honoured for his incredible community work by the mayor of Oldham.

The St Joseph's RC teacher, renowned for his epic fund raising feats of adventure and endurance, received a surprise visit from Councillor Javid Iqbal, who popped in to school to present Steve with his Mayor's Appreciation Award.

Steve - who, with the help of his Year 6 pupils has raised well over £80,000 for local and national causes through a series of challenges, including climbing Everest and running desert, Arctic and jungle marathons - was leading assembly when the special guest appeared to hand over the accolade.

"I was taking assembly on Thursday afternoon with MP Debbie Abrahams when the mayor suddenly appeared," said Steve, whose motto 'believe and achieve' is something he strives to instil in pupils.

"I was totally gobsmacked when he preceded to speak to the children and then presented me with the Mayor's Appreciation Award.

"It was a lovely surprise and great to be able to share it with the children."