THE eyes of the world today focused again on Dunblane schoolteacher Gwen Mayor who was killed as she protected her class of children from a crazed gunman.

The brave former Rishton woman is joint winner in the Scotswoman of the Year awards.

Poignantly, the honour comes in the same week as the official inquiry probes the horrific massacre of 16 children and Mrs Mayor.

This courageous teacher died because of an instinctive reaction - to protect her young charges.

She died because, even faced with a maniac holding a barrage of firearms, she still cared more for the lives of her pupils than for her own safety.

No award can ever be enough to recognise such outstanding actions.

But it is the only way left to say a humble thank-you for such tremendous courage.

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