TOP AWARD FOR TEACHER

A HIGH school teacher came top of the class and scooped a `teaching Oscar' at an awards ceremony this week.Campsmount School's Eileen Athorn was named the North's top Learning Support Teacher at the teaching awards 2000.

Mrs Athorn, who has helped children at the Norton school for 27 years, was chosen from three finalists.

After picking up a trophy and 3,500 for the school, Mrs Athorn said: "I am thrilled. My philosophy is that my role is to make education an enjoyable experience for every child no matter what their learning ability and to be someone who the child can rely on."

Campsmount head Peter Trimingham paid tribute to Mrs Athorn describing her as a consummate professional who fervently believed in young people.

Bircotes and Harworth Community School head teacher David Hudson also won a teaching award for Leadership in Secondary Schools.

Mrs Athorn is pictured with some of her pupils.