A SPECIAL teacher who has made a difference to children's lives for more than 20 years at a York school is today's Star of the Week.

Rosie Nash, is special educational needs co-ordinator at Fulford School and has been nominated by colleagues and pupils.

Her deputy, Anne Mack, said: "Rosie has worked at Fulford School for 22 years. Her energy, dedication and in particular her wicked sense of humour have lifted the spirits of so many pupils and staff.

"She has an empathy with our special needs children; really seeing them as 'special'. She works hard to promote their needs in school and their future."

Rosie, who lives in Fulford, is to retire this summer after a long career that began in York at the former Danesmead School and included four years at the old Park Grove Boys' School, before Fulford.

She is responsible for providing extra support for 100 children at Fulford who have varying special needs and has a staff of 12 support assistants. She has also put in lots of extra work to benefit the school's pupils over the years.

Anne said: "Rosie has raised thousands of pounds for good causes within the school. The successful Lift Off appeal which raised £40,000 for a lift to be installed in the school for our disabled pupils was all due to the hard work and perseverance of Rosie. While the rest of us are thinking about it, she is up and on with it!

"She retires in July and we would just like to say how much we appreciate her and how much we will miss her."

- Rosie receives a £10 Borders electronic gift certificate. Please contact us with your nominations for Star of the Week.

Updated: 09:08 Wednesday, May 29, 2002