A BRADFORD teacher described as a “true inspiration” to her pupils has been recognised with a national teaching award.

Melissa Parkin teaches food technology at Grange Technology College, and was given the award of Outstanding Teacher by the Design and Technology Association.

Held in London last month, the event was attended by teachers across the country.

Head of Design and Technology at the school Andy Loadman nominated Mrs Parkin, who has taught at the Little Horton school for five years.

He said: “Mel is a dynamic and focused teacher, a true inspiration to the students and staff around her.

“The students have great respect for her and rightly so for she is a quality teacher and lesson observations are consistently graded as outstanding.

“She is a lead practitioner and her practice has been shared through the department and across the school.”

“I feel privileged to work with a true expert in her field and I am delighted she is being recognised in this way.”

As well as her certificate, she received first choice of a range of D and T Association approved continued professional development sessions related to her subjects, including travel and accommodation.