A TEACHER who is weeks away from retirement has made the shortlist for a national award.

Ann Hammett, a business studies teacher and pastoral head at Emmanuel College, in Gateshead, was nominated for the Secondary Teacher of the Year accolade by a student.

Heather Allen, 17, put her name forward to the national Teaching Awards to show her appreciation for Mrs Hammett's support in helping her overcome personal problems.

Heather said: "You want to do well to make her proud of you. I can't ever thank her enough for what she has done for me and I don't want her to leave. It's difficult to sum up how amazing she is."

A panel of judges from the Teaching Awards visited Emmanuel College to meet Mrs Hammett, students and staff as part of their assessment of shortlisted candidates.

Mrs Hammett told them: "I have been so lucky, I love teaching and I love the pastoral role I have now, which is very rewarding."

Originally from Sunderland, Mrs Hammett also worked at the Haughton School, in Darlington.

The regional awards ceremony for the North-East and Cumbria is at Newcastle Racecourse on June 15.