A YOGA teacher who doctors said would need to use a wheelchair because of back problems has been nominated for an award.

The dedication and commitment of Allison James, 37, from Haswell, County Durham, is being recognised by the Learning and Skills Council.

She has been nominated for a Learning Works Award as part of Adult Learners’ Week, which starts today.

Mrs James took up yoga because three of her spinal discs were crumbling, leaving her in intense pain She said: “I had less pain, I was more mobile. It was not a miracle cure and I still take painkillers, but it is much better.”

After three years, in 2004, she began a two-year yogateaching course – gaining a teaching certificate.