STROUD MP Neil Carmichael presented the trophy to the SNJ’s Teacher of the Year winner Paul Beech, of Amberley Parochial School, on Monday.

Mr Beech, 40, won a meal-for-two at the SNJ’s Pub of the Year award winner, The Falcon Steakhouse in Wotton-under-Edge.

Neil said: “It’s pleasing to see that the school that my three children all attended in their younger years is a great example of what a good school looks like.

“Mr Beech clearly has the ability to engage and enthuse the young people in his class.

“I was particularly impressed with the way that the children are positively encouraged to work with all members of the class and not just their immediate buddies.”

Living in Newent, Mr Beech leaves his home at 6am every morning, works a full school day and then does about another three to three-and-a-half hours marking and planning lessons in the evening.

“I feel quite humbled to be honest,” said Paul, after receiving the award. “The whole school community has made me feel really welcome.

SNJ editor Michael Purton said: “The response to our Teacher of the Year competition was fantastic and shows just how much our communities value their teachers.

“Paul Beech is a deserving winner, and I would like to congratulate him and all the other excellent teachers who were highlighted by the competition.”