NOW in its second year, teachers from schools in the area were honoured with the Inspirational Teacher award making its comeback.

Seven teachers from all the over area were nominated, but one teacher, celebrated (and derided) for spending much of her time working at Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT), was given the gong for helping to change a whole department.

Lynsey Spillane joined the college two years ago to work in the specialised provision department. This department helps students with additional needs who can’t access the mainstream provision of education.

After collecting the award, Lynsey told The Gazette: “This is completely amazing and unexpected, but it is really nice as well. Young people help and inspire me and it is really important to me that they get access to education. I am lucky enough not to be in their situation, but others are not so lucky.

“I am not going to fail them because of who they are, and it is important to help them take part in other activities.”

Lynsey is credited with transforming the area and now the department supports 50 more young people than before she joined the service.

She was presented the award- sponsored by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council- by cabinet member for communities and community safety Councillor Simon Bound.

Cllr Bound said: “It is very easy to take for granted the tremendous work our teachers do every day, which is why this award is so important.

“Being inspirational means a person has the ability to influence and Lynsey does just that, motivating the young people she works with and her own colleagues to achieve things they never thought they could.

“It is very clear from the many positive comments received about Lynsey that she is truly making a difference to the lives of the people she is supporting and is thoroughly deserving of the Inspirational Teacher award.”

Lynsey added: “I’ve been told that I work too much and that I spend too much time at college, but I absolutely love what I do, and I am really passionate about it.”

RUNNERS UP: Ben Allnut and Kamila Bien.