A FORMER Hampshire teacher of speech and drama has received the highest honour that a Rotary Club can award.

Heather Carling was given the Paul Harris Fellowship award by the Rotary Club in Fareham in recognition of her dedicated teaching and contributions to her community.

Heather, from Titchfield, has acted as chairman of the judging panel nearly every year for the annual Rotary Youth Speaks competition, which has been running for 40 years.

In a ceremony at the club President John Rowlinson described Heather’s contribution to the development of young people through public speaking and dramatic art, as immense.

Heather’s career has involved working as head of drama at Highbury College in Cosham and South Downs College in Purbrook, as well as becoming a founder member of Titchfield Arts and Community Theatre and an active member of St Peter's Church in Titchfield.