15/06/2026
A dedicated literacy hero who has cultivated a love of reading in Middlesbrough’s children has been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours List.
Allison Potter, Manager of the National Literacy Trust in Middlesbrough, has been awarded an MBE for her services to education, the community and literacy.
Over a 30 year career in teaching and education and for the past decade working with the National Literacy Trust, Allison's unwavering commitment has transformed local lives through literacy.
Under her leadership, thousands of local pupils have had the chance to discover poetry and literature through an annual Poetry Slam and the Big Boro Book Bash.
Allison has also led pioneering projects to support new parents, so young children get the best start in life.
In James Cook University Hospital’s neonatal unit, parents are helped to read to their premature babies, helping neurological development and parental bonding.
Allison has also created a growing network of volunteer Literacy Champions who support families directly.