A Richmond music teacher has won praise from Schools Minister David Miliband after reaching the finals of a national competition.

Although she was not the overall winner, Gillian Ash, of Richmond Primary, was presented with a certificate for her achievement at a ceremony at Classic FM's London studios this week.

She also won a computer and music software for the school, where headteacher Carol Jenkinson described her as "a wonderful teacher with an intuitive understanding of how children think and what will engage them".

Judges in the competition included editor of Music Teacher magazine, Lucien Jenkins, and Kevin Hathway, of the Royal College of Music.

"These awards pay tribute to the thousands of music teachers up and down the country who inspire our children day in day out," said Classic FM's managing director and programme controller, Roger Lewis. "Without our music teachers, there would be no music."

Although she was disappointed not to win, Ms Ash said she enjoyed the experience.

"It was a lovely ceremony and at least I got to meet Aled Jones," she said. "However, it would have been nice to come back with the top prize for the school." The overall winner was presented with £10,000 to spend on music equipment.