IT has been a difficult time for science teacher Sarah Simpson and her form group following the sudden death of fellow pupil Eve Shepherd earlier this year.

As the pupils have been forced to come to terms with the devastating loss of a friend, Miss Simpson has been a constant source of comfort.

Her unwavering support was just one of the reasons why her form group have joined forces to say thank you for always being there during a time when they needed it most.

Supportive, approachable and informative - these are just a few of the words that were used to describe Miss Simpson, who is in her fifth year of teaching at Birchwood High School.

The 26-year-old was lost for words as she was announced as the Warrington Guardian's teacher of the month in front of her form.

In the nomination entry, it read: "Miss Simpson has helped us through thick and thin, sorting out all the troubles that we have faced no matter what they may be.

"Most recently we suffered the death of a close friend, Eve Shepherd who was a talented, valued member of our form.

"This has been a tough time for us all but she always put our feelings before hers.

"At the funeral she came and sat with us rather than the other adults even though it must have been a hard time her too.

"She always tells us how proud she is of us and this is our chance to show her how proud we are of her."

Speaking after the presentation, the science teacher from Liverpool said: "I'm really shocked. I don't feel like I deserve it. I feel my form deserve this award more than I do.

"I wouldn't be the form tutor I am if I didn't have them as my form.

"Teachers always joke that they have the best form but I have actually do really believe that I have the best form."

Miss Simpson decided to follow a career in teaching after completing a degree in marine biology.

She said: "Teaching is my life now. The best bit is when one of the pupils says thank you for helping them to understand the subject."

Each month, the Warrington Guardian celebrates the hard work, dedication and achievements of one deserving teacher in the town.

The award, which is sponsored by education recruitment and training consultancy Academics Ltd, honours a teacher who has made a real difference to the school community.

To nominate a deserving teacher for next month’s teacher of the month award e-mail lauren.hirst@nqnw.co.uk.