VYING for the top prize in Teacher of the Year are Jo Holmes and Lauren Kelly.

Head at Brook Acre Primary School in Padgate, Jo Holmes is known as an inspiration of learning.

Last summer she limped in wearing a cast on her ankle and project managed major changes inside to increase the size of every classroom.

Lauren Kelly heads up a dance school in south Warrington and has had a massive impact on dozens of children.

Lauren always goes the extra mile and works tirelessly for her kids.

Professor Peter Harrop, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Warrington Campus, University of Chester, said: “The University of Chester is delighted to sponsor Teacher of the Year for the Warrington Guardian Inspiration Awards.

“The University of Chester traces its roots back to being the earliest purpose built teacher training college in the country, established in 1839. While this makes it one of the oldest higher education institutions in the UK, it is also a modern, innovative institution and has a well-deserved reputation for the quality of its education.

“The tradition of teacher training continues at Chester. Its Faculty of Education and Children’s Services enjoys a high reputation for the quality of teacher training provision, being awarded ‘Outstanding’ status by Ofsted (in 2010/11) and credited with delivering high levels of academic and pastoral care.

“The University brought that tradition to Warrington in 2000 when it assimilated the former Padgate College which had previously been concerned with teacher training, before being managed by Warrington Collegiate Institute.

“The University Academy Warrington is situated close to the Padgate Campus and is a member of the University family of Academies, and the institution is now working closely with local employers and the local authority to develop a University Technical College for the town centre.

“It is a privilege for the University to celebrate teaching in Warrington through the sponsorship of this award.”