A LANCASTER teacher who helped his pupils sell holidays has won a national award.

Andy Davidson, who teaches at Skerton High School, has won the Edexcel 'Outstanding Vocational teaching Award' for his work.

He helped enterprising students to set up holidays in Morecambe, in partnership with local travel and tourism organisations.

His head teacher, Peter Doyle described Mr Davidson as: "A talented and inventive practitioner whose thoughtful approach allows pupils of all abilities to thrive, his lessons are characterised by a fresh and bold approach to teaching and learning.

"Andy has been the focal point for a major shift in culture in the way the school approaches teaching and learning.

"Children with low self esteem and poor levels of literacy are encouraged to engage in a range of diverse activities designed to improve their confidence," he added.

Mr Davidson said: "Not only do they learn by doing, they also develop skills which will make them highly employable."

The award will be handed over at a ceremony next month, to be held at London's Royal Lancaster Hotel.

Mr Davidson will receive a £1,000 prize to be spent on personal educational development, while his school will receive an extra £1,000 to spend on an educational item or activity.

The judging panel for the competition included Falklands War hero Simon Weston, former Beirut hostage Terry Waite and TV gardener Charlie Dimmock.