AN educational leader from Crewe has been awarded a CBE in the New Year's Honours list.

David Wootton, who lives at Hough, has been recognised for his services to education.

The 64-year-old is the managing director of Wootton Education, a South Cheshire-based educational support services consultancy.

He is the chairman of the Learning Alliance, a multi-academy trust which manages eight schools in Cheshire, including the Oaks Academy and Sir William Stanier High School in Crewe.

Yorkshire-born David spent 36 years in teaching roles, many of those in leadership posts including academy principal and executive principal.

He started his career as a music teacher in Salford, working with deprived pupils who he mentored to perform in Big Band and dance ensembles at venues such as the Royal Festival Hall, Covent Garden market and Strangeways Prison.

His first leadership role was in a developing school in Wrexham and he continued his work in music with jazz ensembles and rock groups performing at The Royal Albert Hall on four occasions and St David's Hall Cardiff.

After leaving United Learning, one of the country's largest academy groups, he founded Wootton Education and his expertise as a strategic planner and advising on school improvements has been widely sought among academy trusts, schools and sixth form colleges.

He has served as the Chair of the Independent Academies Association, the country's lobbying and networking organisation for academies and free schools, while he is also an adviser to the Department for Education.

Commenting on his recognition, David said: "It was a very, great shock but I am absolutely delighted and deeply humbled by the award. I'm particularly delighted because of my work with the Learning Alliance in Crewe."

Others receiving recognition in the Honours List in Cheshire include Martin Frobisher, from Sandbach, a safety director with Network Rail, who receives an OBE for services to the NHS and rail staff during the pandemic as well as his voluntary work through the Army Reserves.

John Swan, from Congleton, gets a BEM for his services to wildlife and conservation in the county.

The List includes 1,239 recipients with public sector workers, including many medical staff who have made an impact in the country's Covid-19 response, featuring heavily.

The oldest person on the list is Anne Baker from Salisbury in Wiltshire, who at 106 years old receives an MBE for fundraising for the NSPCC.

The youngest recipient is 20-year-old Samah Khalil, the Youth Mayor of Oldham, who receives a BEM for her work in empowering young people.

Celebrity awards include actors Sheila Hancock, who is made a Dame for services to drama and charity, and Toby Jones, whose portrayal of Stoke City kitman Neil Baldwin in 'Marvellous' endeared him to football fans down the A500.

Singer Craig David and Coronation Street's Sally Dynevor, aka Sally Webster, both get MBEs. As do former England footballers Jimmy Greaves and Ron Flowers.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "In a year when so many have made sacrifices to protect our NHS and save people's lives, the outstanding efforts of those receiving honours are a welcome reminder of the strength of human spirit and of what can be achieved through courage and compassion."