A NORTH-EAST teacher has been named the best in the country at a national awards ceremony.

Lyndsay Reavley, a senior teacher at Hartlepool's High Tunstall College of Science, was recognised for her work in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) leadership at the National STEM Inspiration Awards.

Having been shortlisted as one of three final nominees from a long list of UK-wide entrants, Ms Reavley was “honoured and a bit surprised” to be named winner at the awards ceremony held at the House of Lords earlier this month.

“I was delighted to bring the award back to the north east and highlight the incredible STEM work carried out in the region,” she said.

“One of the key ingredients to a successful STEM agenda within any school or college is strong relationships and links with industry.

“Students need to see where their studies link to real life and where it can take them - raising aspirations by boosting awareness of different work places improves achievement and opens up so many new and previously unthought-of of choices for young people."

Jen Lee, STEM ambassador North-East education relationship manager, said: “Lyndsay has done a fabulous job in inspiring young scientists and engineers of the future with her STEM work at High Tunstall.

“We put Lyndsay forward for the STEM Leadership award because we are so impressed with her dedication, enthusiasm and leadership ability.

“It is a rare combination – and it is fantastic that the judges of the STEM Inspiration awards agreed by naming her best in the country.”