A PRESTON primary school teacher has narrowly missed out on being voted Teacher of the Year after being nominated for the award by her peers.

But to the children and staff at Moor Nook County Primary School, in Preston, hard-working nursery teacher Jennifer Southworth is still top of the class when it comes to working with young learners.

In recognition of the ace teacher's outstanding efforts in the classroom staff at the Mitton Drive school tipped her for the top Teacher Awards 2001 in partnership with British Telecom.

And although she was pipped to the winning post by another dynamic teacher from a school outside the area popular Jennifer remains the school's number one.

Nursery nurse and colleague Caron Duerden said: "I have worked with Jennifer for more than two years and each day is a pleasurable experience. She's an inspirational teacher.

"The children appreciate and love her sense of fun. She has designed and created a colourful, bright classroom, with well labelled resources and child friendly equipment."

Mrs Southworth was appointed full time teacher at the school five years ago with science as her main subject.

After training as a nursery teacher she took over the school's nursery in 1998 and was numeracy co-ordinator on the school's Activity Workshop. She aims to make learning fun and uses various musical instruments and other fun equipment to keep children interested.

Ron Yates, who is a member of the school's governing body, said: "The children concentrate keenly and are so interested in what is being taught.

"Children at this age can find it hard to absorb lots of information, but Jennifer's pupils surprise us with the way they repeat what they have learned. She helps with all of the school's outside events including Christmas and summer fairs. She is an outstanding teacher in every respect and a credit to the school which I have been associated with for nearly 50 years."

Mrs Southworth said: "I am pleased and completely surprised by this honour but I want to add that all the staff here work hard and there are some great teachers.

"I also want to thank Ron Yates, who first thought of nominating me, for his going support and his high regard for the school."