A PASSIONATE teacher has been nominated for Community Pride’s Teacher of the Year Award.

John Bates, assistant head teacher at Millthorpe School was nominated by nine of his pupils for his dedication and commitment to their education.

They said: "Not only is Mr Bates an amazing teacher, he is also a mentor for students and our role model during our exam period.

"He has freed his personal time to help our studies and encouraged to help those less academically able to achieve their targets.

"While he is professional he never fails to make us laugh during stressful times.

"We are eternally grateful and we hope our GCSE results will mirror his great teaching."

Mr Bates said he was thankful for being recognised by his pupils.

“I am really touched by the very nomination, particularly because it’s from the students.

"I love my job and working with young people to bring out the best in them, so it's lovely to know you're making a difference. But, all of my colleagues do this everyday too and are equally deserving of an award.

"There are so many great teachers at Millthorpe and in the city of York and I'm privileged to work with them.

"I love coming to work each day and being in the classroom with students, who are so full of life and enthusiasm."

Last year's winners were four members of staff from Fulford School who saved a teenage pupil's life when he had a heart attack.

When 15-year-old Alex Cowes collapsed during a games lesson, teachers and support staff restarted his heart with a defibrillator.

PE teacher Kat Fairbairn immediately raised the alarm and Shona Jagger, head of girls PE and Erica Melsom, the school’s medical officer, started CPR after they realised he had stopped breathing.

Sue Igoe, a first aider and member of the administration team, used the defibrillator to shock his heart into a regular rhythm.

All four members of staff collected the award during last year's ceremony at York Racecourse.

The Community Pride Awards are sponsored by Benenden and jointly run by The Press and City of York Council.

All nominees must live in, or contribute to life in, the City of York Council area.

About three finalists from each category will be invited to the awards ceremony at York Racecourses in October.

You can make a nomination at yorkpress.co.uk/pride saying why you think your nominee deserves an award.

Entries can be submitted until Friday, July 15.