A campaign has been launched to get a hardworking and dedicated member of staff at Ochiltree Primary School an honour.

Mrs Shannon is more than just the school’s senior clerical assistant.

Having started at Ochiltree in November 1992, she has been involved with a host of after school activities including the swimming club she started from scratch in 2004.

A breast cancer diagnosis in December 2004 meant a short break but she returned a year later to get the club back on track.

In 2011, HM Inspectorate of Education highlighted the swimming club as a code of good practice with an online video.

The campaign has the support of East Ayrshire Council chief executive Fiona Lees along with parents of pupils past and present.

Ruth Shipstone who has helped organise the campaign said: “She has been doing this for over decade now. Basically, she is determine that every child at Ochiltree Primary should be able to swim but she has also pushed kids to compete at national level and she has held events at Auchinleck Academy for the kids she has taught.

“If you extend that, she has taught confidence, self esteem and many skills that will benefit the kids in heir future lives.

“Every sports club has its volunteers but Mrs Shannon has organised it mainly by herself. She has had people who have supported her but he has been the main driving force.

“On the Facebook page there’s been quite a lot of support. Fiona Lees has written a litter or recommendation. Lots of people have said they’ll write letters to support but it’s be difficult to tell [how many] as I’ve not be able to check.”

Mrs Shannon said she was “gobsmacked” when she found out.

“My friends have said that I deserve an honour,” she added.

“I don’t want to blow my own trumpet but I’m honoured if they think I deserve it.

“It’s nice that people think you are worthy of that.

“I just want to give the weans a chance and show them positives so they have something to put on their CV’s.

“I’ve always been lucky enough to be involved in other sides of the school. I make up the extra at night, if I’ve helped out with the football I won’t go home until 6pm.”