A Thames Ditton teacher is in the running to be named as one of Britain’s Classroom Heroes 2017.

Mrs Hayley Townsend of St Pauls Catholic School in Thames Ditton is to attend the prestigious UK grand finale of the Pearson Teaching Awards on Sunday 22, where she will find out if she has won.

Mrs Townsend was nominated by pupils, parents and colleagues at the school, for being a beloved and “outstanding” teacher.

A mother of four, she started her teaching career in 1992 and joined St Paul’s in 2014.

A spokeswoman for the school said: “Hayley’s students adore her.

“More importantly they trust her and this has allowed Hayley to ask them to perform their very best.

“Their parents know that there is something magical unfolding and they are only too eager support the efforts within class.

“What sets Hayley apart is her desire to keep learning.

“Thus, when new initiatives are being trialled she is at the front of the line looking to participate.

“The progress that her children make is strong and this is because Hayley constructs lessons and learning opportunities specifically for the needs of her children.”

Founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam, the Pearson Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of exceptional teachers and teaching.

Michael Morpurgo, Children’s Author and President of the Pearson’s Teaching Awards said: “Teachers are the quiet heroes.

“By telling their stories, by highlighting their skill and dedication, we can do some justice to them and to the whole profession.

“Through the Teaching Awards, we hope to enhance the reputation and value of the teachers in our lives, their importance in our society, and thus help to encourage the most talented and committed young people to become teachers.”

The ceremony, hosted by BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty with Countryfile's Sean Fletcher, will be broadcast on BBC TWO at 6pm on October 29.