TWO inspirational primary school teachers from York are among the latest people to be nominated for The Press's Community Pride awards.

Badger Hill primary school's Helen Pye and Wheldrake with Thorganby's Andrew Buttery have both been put forward for the awards by their pupils.

Deputy head Mrs Pye has a long track record at Badger Hill primary, and has been put forward for the award by Year 6 pupil Charlotte Ramsey.

Charlotte, 11, said: "I would like to nominate Mrs Pye as she is the best teacher ever."

"I am leaving Badger Hill School this year and wanted to let everyone know how special she is to me and everyone at my school."

It was Mrs Pye who noticed Charlotte was struggling in class and made put her forward for extra testing, which showed Charlotte has dyslexia, and thanks to Mrs Pye's help and support she is now doing much better at school.

Mum Sue Ramsey has also praised the teacher.

"Mrs Pye organises great school trips. She took a couple of classes to London, which must have been a logistical nightmare, but the children really enjoyed it.

"She's been at the school a long time, and she is very well thought of. I have an older son - now 22 - and Mrs Pye taught him. He said she was the best teacher there, and now Charlotte says the same."

Meanwhile, Year 6 pupils at Wheldrake School, Lottie Carter and Gabriella Clinton, have dubbed their class teacher Andrew Buttery a local hero. The girls wrote: "Mr Buttery is such a fantastic teacher; he is always there for us no matter what. He is always encouraging us to be the best we can and makes sure we are happy and confident with the work we are set.

"Even though he can be strict, he is always very kind and fair. He tries hard to make us happy at school and helps us to be above average."

His hard work and dedication has helped pupils make huge improvements in their work, the girls added.

"Overall Mr Buttery is a fantastic teacher and we think he deserves a MASSIVE award," their nomination said.

The Community Pride Teacher of the Year award, sponsored by power company Drax, is hunting for someone who, through their enthusiasm and commitment to their school and their job, truly inspires their pupils.

For more information on the Community Pride awards or to make a nomination online go to thepress.co.uk/pride

Or nominations can be posted to Paula Homer, PA to the editor, The Press, 76-86 Wa lmgate, York YO1 9YN before Friday, July 18, with details including a supporting statement of no more than two sides of A4 with each nomination.