Just three years after her first day at the blackboard, super-teacher Laura Wilbourn has scooped a national award.

The 24-year-old, who works at Stradbroke CEVC Primary School, near Eye, was yesterday crowned the East of England Teacher of the Year.

Dr Dan Poulter, MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, handed the award to Miss Wilbourn as her students gathered round to share in the glory.

She said: “Winning the award was a real shock. I am overwhelmed and really pleased.

“I have learnt a huge amount from the head and the deputy head teachers. We all work really well together and support each other – and the children are just brilliant.”

Headteacher Melanie Barrow said: “To put it simply, Laura is an inspirational teacher.

“All children should experience teaching of the quality Laura delivers.

“From the moment she stepped into the school she changed the lives of those she works with. Her lessons are vibrant, well-structured and – very importantly – fun.”

Miss Wilbourn received the Pearson Teaching Award for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School in the East of England.

She will now join fellow winners at the UK final on October 20.

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