NEWLY qualified teacher Rachel Hayes turned an empty room into a stimulating classroom, open to the scrutiny of Ofsted inspectors, just days into her first post.

Rachel rose to the challenge and children at Hellifield Primary are thriving in her care.

She has now been declared the North's "Outstanding New Teacher of the Year" in the prestigious National Teaching Awards.

She was nominated by headteacher John Lassey, who said: "Having Rachel around is like adding a breath of fresh air to our small school. She has a maturity as a teacher well beyond her actual experience.

"We are all very proud of Rachel, but this is not only an accolade for her but for her team, which includes teaching assistant Cath Edwards and her mentor, Natasha Pollard.

"She was highly praised by the inspectors as having the potential to be an outstanding teacher, this award confirms their judgements.

"We now look forward to the National Awards in October."

Rachel, who trained at Leeds Metropolitan University, said she became a teacher for the enjoyment of working with children.

She said: "Everyday is very different because, although you plan, the children can take you anywhere. They are really thrilled with the award."

Rachel has won £2,000 for Hellifield Primary School and £2,500 of computer equipment.

Other Craven teachers at the awards ceremony in Sheffield included Threshfield Primary School's Brettle Roberts, who was praised for her primary science teaching, and the school's teaching assistant Jayne Davidson.

"They are both stars in our eyes, and, more importantly, in the eyes of the children," said headteacher Helen Jarvis.

A celebration for the whole school marked their achievement.

Lesley Crutchley, head of Austwick Primary School, was nominated for the "Leadership in a Primary School" award.

She said: "I was pleased and proud to have been shortlisted to the final four in the North of England. This recognises the hard work involved in running even the smallest of primary schools."

Austwick's chairman of governors Rev John Dalby praised Mrs Crutchley. He said: "She has given outstanding leadership and is able to cope with whatever changes or initiatives are introduced."