DENBIGH High School’s chairman of governors has been nominated for a coveted legal award.

Kate Sutherland, who has served the school for more than seven years and has been chairman for the past year, works as a solicitor, director, head of department and assistant compliance officer at Gamlins Law,

The firm has offices in Denbigh, Ruthin, Rhyl, Abergele, Holywell and Mold.

Mrs Sutherland was nominated by the firm for the Outstanding Individual Contribution award in the annual LawNet Awards.

Ron Davison, managing director, described her as being "highly motivated, with a demonstrable commitment to the public sector and client care".

In addition to her professional career, Mrs Sutherland has had the support of the firm to undertake her responsibilities at Denbigh High School and other interests.

These include ‘Ladies that Launch’ which she co-founded to bring together local entrepreneurial women to share their experiences, challenges and achievements.

Alongside her professional expertise, Mrs Sutherland's commitment to the school and her community were also taken into account as a nominee.

Eirian Williams, associate assistant headteacher at Denbigh High School, has known Mrs Sutherland for more than 30 years.

She said: “I am thrilled that Kate has been shortlisted for this award, of which she would be a truly deserving winner.

“Over the years, I have witnessed her develop into one of the most inspiring and motivated women I know."

Headteacher Dr Paul Evans praised Mrs Sutherland's dedication to the school and her contribution to its ongoing improvement.

He said: “Denbigh High is blessed with an extremely supportive, empathetic and professional chairman of governors who displays a real commitment to the school and its students.

"She willingly gives of her time in her very busy schedule to play a proactive and constructive role in helping to drive forward change and innovation.

"I could not ask for a more supportive chairman of governors.”