A YORK teacher nominated for a National Teaching Award will be heading to London this weekend for a star-studded ceremony to be shown on national television.

Joseph Rowntree School teacher Paul Offord is up against colleagues from all over the country in the outstanding new secondary school teacher category.

If successful he will return with £25,000-worth of cash and equipment for the school.

The 24-year-old English teacher, who is originally from London, started his career at Joseph Rowntree's three years ago.

Paul won through to Sunday's final, taking place at the London Palladium, after winning a regional heat in July.

He said: "It is a great thing, as it does raise awareness of the teaching profession and that is important.

"I am nervous that it is going to be on national television, which pushes you into the limelight.

"I am trying not to think about it at the moment as I do have a job to do."

Paul, who did his teacher training in York, was nominated by a pupil from the school, Alex Mills.

He said: "When I was nominated I was very shocked and surprised but as it sunk in I was deeply touched.

"I always wanted to be a teacher. I always enjoyed school and was taught by some outstanding teachers at my old school in London."

The awards, which are aimed at celebrating the teaching profession, are now in their fifth year.

Celebrities, leading educationalists and Government Ministers will gather at the ceremony to pay tribute to the profession.

There are ten categories, including best science teacher and lifetime achievement, and winners will receive a cash grant and equipment worth £25,000.

Other nominees from North Yorkshire include Paul Keogh from King James School, Knaresborough, who is up for secondary school teacher of the year; Fran Stone from Hambleton Primary School near Selby who is up for primary school teaching assistant of the year; and Jean Brumby, from Egton Primary School, in Whitby who is up for the lifetime achievement award.

The ceremony will be shown on television in November.

Updated: 12:17 Wednesday, October 22, 2003