An awards ceremony, attended by government leaders, was held in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province, on Sept 10 to celebrate the 30th Teachers' Day.

Thirty-two teachers who had made outstanding educational contributions and generated excellent students were presented with awards, including 10 hard-working teachers, 10 teachers working in rural areas and 12 innovative teachers.

Yao Linrong, secretary of the CPC Zhangjiagang Municipal Committee, on behalf of government officials and local residents, expressed respect and best wishes to teachers.

Yao said that the improvement of education and the prosperity of the city needed teachers with sound ethics, great teaching skills and solid knowledge. First-rate education can generate first-rate students who in turn can drive the city's development.