A RAMSEY Spinning Infant School teacher has been named primary school teacher of the year in the East of England in a national teaching competition.

Foundation stage teacher Joy Smith was nominated for the Pearson teaching award by her pupil Makenzie Shilling.

Mrs Smith will pick up her gong at a plush ceremony in London on Sunday, October 30 to be televised by the BBC2.

Headteacher Patsy Peres said: “It is a wonderful thing when all the hard work of teachers is recognised and appreciated by pupils and parents.”

Caroline Evans, chief executive of the Pearson Teaching Awards, said: “Congratulations to all who have been recognised and to their schools where the brilliance rubs off. I am delighted to meet the new class of 2011 who are Pearson Teaching Awards’ ambassadors for education at its best.”