THE region's best teachers will be recognised at an awards ceremony next week.

The North-East BT Teaching Awards, in Newcastle on Tuesday, will highlight the role teachers play in the community by honouring the best role models.

Hundreds of nominations have come from headteachers, learning support assistants, pupils, parents and school governors.

The eight categories include the BT Award for Teacher of the Year; the Guardian Award for Outstanding New Teacher; the Award for Lifetime Achievement and the Lloyds TSB Award for Working with Parents and the Community.

Category winners will be awarded a £2,000 grant for their school.

The winners will go forward to the televised national Teaching Awards ceremony, in London, on October 28.