Two teachers in Crosby who have made “outstanding contributions” to the lives of young people over 20 years have been recognised with Sefton Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Steve Weekes and Gavin Hynes were applauded as Finalists in the Sefton Lifetime Achievement category sponsored by LWC Drinks in the 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards, which were held at The Grand in Southport.
For the past two decades, Steve and Gavin have dedicated their time, energy, and commitment to running the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme at Chesterfield High School in Crosby, supporting thousands of students.
They’ve helped generations of young people build confidence, resilience, teamwork and independence.
Many young people credit their experiences as life-changing — shaping their aspirations, character, and future success.
One nomination for them said: “It is with great pride that we nominate Mr Steve Weekes and Mr Gavin Hynes, teachers at Chesterfield High School, for the Grand Pride of Sefton Award in recognition of their outstanding service to young people and the wider community.
“For more than 20 years each, Mr Weekes and Mr Hynes have dedicated their time, energy, and unwavering commitment to running the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme at Chesterfield High School. Through their leadership, encouragement, and belief in young people, they have enabled 1000s of students to successfully achieve their Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards at all levels.
“Their impact extends far beyond the completion of an award. They have given generations of young people the opportunity to build confidence, resilience, teamwork, independence, and a strong sense of responsibility. Many participants have gone on to credit their experiences under Mr Weekes and Mr Hynes as life-changing — shaping their aspirations, character, and future success.
“Running the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme requires countless hours of planning, mentoring, expeditions, and support, much of which takes place outside the classroom and beyond the school day. Mr Weekes and Mr Hynes have consistently gone above and beyond, motivated not by recognition, but by a genuine passion for helping young people reach their full potential.
“Their long-standing dedication has not only enriched the lives of individual students but has also made a lasting contribution to the Sefton community as a whole.
“The legacy of their work can be seen in the confidence, skills, and civic pride of the many young people they have guided over the past two decades. Mr Weekes and Mr Hynes have helped shape generations of confident, capable, and community-minded young people. Their contribution has strengthened not only Chesterfield High School but the wider Sefton community, leaving a legacy that will continue to be felt for many years to come.
“This nomination is made with the full support and gratitude of Chesterfield High School and the wider school community, who recognise Mr Steve Weekes and Mr Gavin Hynes as outstanding role models and truly deserving recipients of the Grand Pride of Sefton Award.
“Mr Steve Weekes and Mr Gavin Hynes exemplify the very spirit of the Grand Pride of Sefton Award, and their exceptional service deserves to be celebrated and recognised.”
The 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards celebrated selfless, talented and courageous people across 13 categories at The Grand in Southport on 24th April 2026.
The Main Award was won by Queenscourt Hospice founder Dr Karen Groves MBE.
The evening was hosted by former Sky Sports News presenter Fraser Dainton with VIP guests including HM Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside Peter Oliver OBE and Mayor of Sefton Cllr Burns.
Funds were raised on the night for the ICU Steps charity, which supports patients in intensive care and their families.
The Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards are organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport in association with media partners In Demand Radio with support from Southport BID.
There are 13 categories including Child of Courage, School Of The Year, Community Impact, Charity Champion and more, plus the Main Award.
Next year’s event takes place on Friday 30th April 2027.
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