SETTLE Middle School teaching assistant Alison Balsimini has been shortlisted for a regional award.

Alison is a regional finalist in teaching assistant of the year category in the Teaching Standard Agency awards.

The North of England final takes place in Leeds next Friday, June 13, and if Alison wins she will go forward to the national finals in London in October.

"All in the school will be supporting Alison as she is extremely popular with staff and pupils alike," said Janet Lassey, the school's special educational needs co-ordinator.

Her nomination was for her dedication to her work, which encompasses a great variety of activities.

She can be found behind a sewing machine teaching pupils machine skills; on the sports field teaching athletics; and is also excellent in a classroom situation, helping small groups of children.

Alison has special flair for forming relationships and has helped many pupils in her care with their personal problems.

She has been at the middle school since 1999, and as an Italian speaker, she goes on skiing trips with the school to Italy as well as field trips to Grinton Lodge.

And if that is not enough, she works tireless with young people in the community, serving as a governor at Settle Primary School and helping at the swimming club.

Alison is married to Piero, and the couple have three boys.