WALKING along the corridors of her former primary school as a pupil, Julie Johnson always hoped one day she would be able to return to the place that gave her so many fond memories as a child.

Now a little bit taller and her footprints a little bit bigger, Mrs Johnson stands in the centre of the school’s assembly hall collecting the award for the Warrington Guardian’s teacher of the month.

The head teacher of Our Lady’s Primary School in Latchford said: “This makes it all the more special - the fact that this is where I went to school. When the job came up, I applied straightaway as I have always wanted to work here.”

Mrs Johnson, who has previously worked at St Thomas’ Primary School in Stockton Heath and Locking Stumps Primary School in Birchwood, was crowned the winner of this month’s competition for her warm and caring nature.

The head teacher from Stockton Heath has also been credited by some parents as making the school one of the best in the town.

After 34 years in teaching, Mrs Johnson still enjoys getting up for work each day as the children are always there to make her laugh and put a smile on her face.

“I could write a book with all the funny things the children have said over the years,” she laughed.

It was never in any doubt that Mrs Johnson would go into teaching and spent many of her childhood years preparing herself for the working world.

“Teaching was always something I wanted to do. When I was younger I would play with my dolls and teddies and make a register for them,” she recalled.

Mrs Johnson, who says she could never leave the school and will retire here, credits the staff for creating the community which exists at the school and cannot thank them enough.

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 visit warringtonguardian.co.uk or e-mail lauren.hirst@nqnw.co.uk