A NORTH-EAST teacher was named one of the finest in the country at the industry's top awards ceremony last night.

Christopher Harte, of St Robert of Newminster School, Washington, Wearside, won the teaching training agency award for outstanding new teacher at the national Teaching Awards 2004. He received the accolade at a presentation night at the Palace Theatre, in London.

The event was hosted by TV personality Eamonn Holmes and award presenters included film director Lord Attenborough, newsreader Sir Trevor McDonald and actor Bill Nighy.

National winners were announced in ten categories, having been originally chosen from a total of 146 regional competition victors.

Winners received a prize package for their school, including a laptop computer and software.