AN inspirational coach who has transformed the lives of many of his pupils has been named Teacher of the Year at an awards ceremony.

Karl Wharton was presented with the National Council for School Sport's award at Deerness Leisure Centre, at Ushaw Moor, in Durham City, this week for his energetic and innovative approach to teaching acro-gymnastics - a combination of acrobatics and gymnastics.

Mr Wharton has been inspirational in setting up a centre of excellence in the sport at Deerness Valley Comprehensive School, which draws pupils from the former pit villages around Durham City.

His coaching was so impressive that he has been appointed coach to the Great Britain Acro-Gymnastics squad and more than half of the recent 24-strong team was made up of members of his club.

Mr Wharton has even struck an agreement with other teachers at the school that his promising gymnasts can start lessons at 10am, having started training as early as 6.30am, then catch up with the curriculum online.

Headteacher Anne Lakey said: "He has tremendous talent and genuinely delights in the students' success.

"He is an excellent role model for young people and has saved many young people who would have been at risk of exclusion."

Durham City Council's leisure services manager Nigel Dodds said: "The city council has worked closely with Karl in securing funding for the High Performance Centre.

"His dedication and tireless approach has been crucial to the success of Deerness as a place of excellence for gymnastics."