AN ‘inspiring’ teacher from Lymm was rewarded for his selfless efforts and dedication to raising the aspirations of young people at a college in Warrington.


Mark Salmon, a senior tutor at Priestley College, was named Young People’s Champion at the recent O2 Awards.


The honour recognised his determination to ensure high fliers at Priestley reach the UK’s top universities while also offering support to others during their A Levels or BTEC studies.


Mark, who has been a tutor at the college for 13 years, said: “My passion for this comes from never wanting to give up on anybody. I want all students to leave us with the skills they need to succeed in life.”


The history tutor also launched The Graduate programme at the college three years ago, which has already proved as an invaluable service to the 150 pupils who have already used it.


One of the main goals of the programme was to shatter any preconceptions they may have about universities.


Mark added: “I want to break down any barriers about what they believe they can achieve.”


Colleague Fran Evans, who nominated Mark for the award, said: “Mark’s work on The Graduate has been inspiring to so many students and made a difference to their lives.”