Two Gravesham teachers have celebrated winning top honours at the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards.

Karen Jackson, from Riverview Infants, scooped the overall Kent Literacy Teacher of the Year Award.

The judges were impressed by her use of storytelling and phonics to develop children’s reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.

The Kent Business Studies Teacher of the Year prize went to Michael Beacher of Meopham School for his dedication to students’ success and active role in the school’s senior management team.

They each received a trophy and framed certificate to display in school.

In addition, Ms Jackson received £160 worth of training donated by Social Enterprise Kent.

Mr Beacher won a prize package donated by the University of Kent – a pair of tickets to an In Conversation event featuring University Chancellor Gavin Elser and a leading public figure, a bespoke experience day for a group of students, and a limited edition Monopoly game.

District winners included Marta Narauskas, of St John’s Catholic Comprehensive, named Gravesham’s Top Trainee Teacher; and Greg Ferris, from Whitehill Primary School, winner of the Top Primary School Teacher accolade.

Altogether, 50 district awards were presented to staff and teams at schools and colleges across the county with 22 winners crowned the county’s best.

The event was organised by children’s educational charity the KM Charity Team and this year received a bumper 1,100 nominations from parents, students and school staff.

The awards were co-hosted by Simon Dolby, chief executive of the KM Charity Team, and Nicola Everett, KM Group’s head of multi media.

More at KentTeacherOfTheYear.co.uk