Thurlby Community Primary Academy's Suzie Phillips wins Inspirational Primary School Teacher of the Year

Super Suzie Phillips only started at Thurlby Community Primary Academy in the second lockdown - but has made such a big impression that she's already scooped the Inspirational Primary School Teacher of the Year title.

The award was sponsored and judged by Springfields Outlet Shopping and Leisure - with Gosberton Academy's Brittany Kidd and Long Sutton Primary School's Bill Lord the close runners up.

Suzie was praised for making lessons fun - and had engaged the children with tapestry and an inspirational classroom environment.

She told the Free Press that moving schools during a lockdown was a 'challenge', but added: "You just had to do the best for the kids."

The school is part of the Keystone Academy Trust - and Suzie praised the support colleagues had given her to settle in, highlighting the leadership of Helen Joyce, Katherine Finch and Elaine Radley.

She said: "I am surrounded by inspirational people and the kids are incredible."

She added: "I want to say thank you to all the people around me.

"I also can't wait for the children in my class to find out."

The award was one of eleven handed out in the Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian Education Awards, held at Springfields Events Centre in Spalding last night.

All photos are available to buy on the Iliffe Media photo sales website.