A FORMER nurse who now teaches science has been praised as a shining example in her field.

Jackie Morris' skills in inspiring children of all abilities in their science studies at Easington Community School, has resulted in her being picked as the leading science teacher in key stage three for County Durham.

As a result, teachers in the county who wish to improve their methods of teaching the subject can visit Mrs Morris in school to observe her work.

Mrs Morris has worked at the school for four years. Before than she spent 15 years as a nurse.

She said: "One of the challenges science teachers face is that it is a core subject, so pupils do not choose to take science GCSE, they have to do it.

"We have to make it interesting for the children who want to be there and those that have to be there."

Another of the school's teachers, Geoff Lumsdon, has also earned a professional accolade.

History teacher Mr Lumsdon was assessed against national teaching standards and subsequently awarded Advanced Skills Teacher status, for his classroom skills.