DANCE instructor Karen Stewart is on top of the world after being voted the most outstanding teacher in the UK at the Oscars of the dance profession.
Ms Stewart, 37, of Lanchester, was awarded the Carl Alan Award for achievement in teaching - the highest honour she could hope for.
The owner of her own dance school, Ms Stewart holds classes in all forms of dance from ballet to hip hop.
She said: "I am delighted and so proud. When they announced the winner, for the first time I was speechless.
"This is the pinnacle of my career. I am so lucky in that I am living my dream and not a lot of people can say that about their job."
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