A WALKERBURN academic has been honoured by his peers for distinguished service to education.

Dr Colin Russell retired from the chalkface five years ago.

But his continued input into improving education across the country was rewarded with the Distinguished Service Award by the British Educational Leadership, Management and Administration Society.

Dr Russell, who held several headships and teaching posts at schools across the Borders and Lothians, was chair of the Society from 2011 to 2013.

And it was during their recent meeting at Beaumont Mansion in Windsor that Dr Russell received his award.

He told us: "I am deeply honoured to have received the Distinguished Service Award."

Dr Russell's contribution to the British Educational Leadership, Management and Administration Society included his instrumental role in the founding of the International Congress of Educational Leadership Societies (ICELS) and the design and implementation of the Reflective Practice Award.

Leading figures in the field spoke of his commitment and dedication during the dinner.

Emeritus Professor Ron Glatter said: "Dr Russell embodied the close interplay between reflective practice and research that is at the heart of BELMAS’s mission."