STAGEPRO vocal coach Joanne Edwards clearly hit all the right notes with the judges of the Inspiration Awards as she was crowned the winner of the teacher of the year.

The 43-year-old from Chapelford, who has been working as a singing teacher for the past 10 years, said: "I wasn't expecting this.

"It's quite overwhelming as you don't do it for the recognition. I was just made up to be nominated."

The mum of two, who is currently six months pregnant with her third child, was praised in her nomination form for always encouraging children to reach their potential and was hailed as a 'true inspiration'.

She said: "When you see the progress they make it makes it all worthwhile. I am just so happy that I get to do this as a job.

"To see some children go from being quiet and timid to singing in front of a big audience is really rewarding. When I see them on stage I can get quite emotional."

Joanne faced tough competition from two fellow teachers in the category.

The former head teacher of St Vincent's Primary Gregg Baker and the former deputy head teacher of St Gregory's High School Mr Mawe were both shortlisted for the award for their dedication to making a difference.