MORE than 400 people who between them have clocked up more than 10,000 years of service in Hertfordshire schools have been recognised for their dedication.

Among those receiving long service awards from Hertfordshire County Council are five members of staff from Kings Langley School and four from Watford Girls Grammar School.

Geoff Shepherd, who received the distinction last year and has taught at Kings Langley School for 18 years, said he thinks staff stay there because of the friendly atmosphere.

He said: "This is a friendly school in a nice environment with good kids. It doesn't feel like 18 years since I started here and the school has doubled in size since then.

Mr Shepherd's Kings Langley school colleagues, who have notched up between 20 and 30 years each at schools in Hertfordshire, are head of English, Pam Ingleby, maths teacher, Jillian Smith, head of learning support, Linda Patterson, head of Year 11, Amanda Jackson and Mrs Vaux.

Meanwhile, at Watford Girls Grammar School, long service awards have gone to Anna De Caro, David Abraham, Meryl Abraham and Carol-Anne Chandler.

Headteacher at Watford Girls Grammar School, Helen Hyde, said:"The awards were presented at County Hall, Hertford, on Tuesday and Wednesday, to staff from cooks and caretakers to teachers, social workers and librarians.

Robert Gordon, executive member for education, said: "All award winners should feel justly proud of their achievement and the part they have played in helping Hertfordshire children get the best possible education and support."

Full list of award winners from Watford Observer area: Judith Haggar, EMA South Area CenSimon Springett, Abbots Langley.

Sylvia White, St Clement Danes School, Chorleywood.

Anne Dougans, Supply Teacher, Chorleywood.

Jillian Smith, Mrs C Vaux, Pam Ingleby, Linda Patterson, and Amanda Heydon, all Kings Langley School, Kings Langley.

Alison Irwin, Kings Langley Primary School, Kings Langley.

Jean Bell, Long Term Team, Kings Langley.

Ingrid Allen, Kings Langley Library, Kings Langley.

Ann Negrello, Oxhey Library, Oxhey.

Sharyn Martin, St John's C of E Infant and Nursery School, Radlett.

Penelope Makepeace, Newberries School, Radlett.

Christine Hoggarth, Malvern Way Infant & Nursery School, Rickmansworth.

Thelma Jeffers and Tricia Devlin, St Joan of Arc RC School, Rickmansworth.

John Hall, Beulah Appel, and Maureen Loveday, all Rickmansworth School, Rickmansworth.

Linda Pressland, Colnbrook School, Watford.

Janet Thorne, Highwood Primary School, Watford.

Anna De Caro, Carol-Anne Chandler, David Abraham, Meryl Abraham, all Watford Grammar School for Girls, Watford.

Michael John Perry, Chater Junior School, Watford.

Vivienne Hayden, Warren Dell Primary School, Watford.

Kathleen O'Sullivan, Sally Hearn and Sue Llewellyn, all Divine Saviour RC Primary School, Watford.

Verity Critchlow, EMA South Area Centre, Watford.

Miss W J Smith, and Susan Pearson, both Bushey Hall School, Bushey.

J M English, and Elaine Pinkus, both Bushey Meads School, Bushey.

Margaret Baker and Diane Benge, both Bournehall JMI School, Bushey.

Maureen Davter, Hartsbourne Primary School, Watford.

David Chappell and Margaret Evans, both Francis Combe School and Community College, Garston.

Patricia Harrell, Bromet Primary School, Watford.

Marilyn Bocock, St Anthony's RC Primary School, Watford.

Sue Owen, Central Primary JMI School, Watford.

Jean Pocock, Leavesden Green JMI School, Watford.

Irene Bright, Orchard Primary School, Watford.

Marlene Miller, Lea Farm Junior School, Watford.

Gladys Coldman, Kingsway Infants School, Watford.

Anthony Haynes, Glen McAllister, and Rose Fowler, all Parmiter's School, Garston.

Elizabeth White, and Elizabeth Maykels, both Nascot Wood Infant & Nursery School, Watford.

Anita Callis, St Meryl JMI School, Carpenders Park.

Judith Haggar, and Shahida Usman, both EMA South Area Centre, Watford.

Anthony Ransley, Youth Service South Team, Watford.