A teacher from Sir John Lawes School in Harpenden has been honoured with a special commendation at the regional BT Teaching Awards.

Head of Art at the school Mr John Miles was commended in the category of teacher of the year in a secondary school during the teaching awards ceremony held at London's Guildhall last Friday, July 5.

Award nominations could be made by pupils, colleges, parents or governors who felt that a teacher or teaching assistant was worthy of recognition. Independent judges from an awards panel of representatives from across the education community accompanied each nominee for a day in their classroom.

Overall winner for the category of teacher of the year in a secondary school was a teacher from Newbury, Berkshire.

A spokesman for the awards said: "Teachers who were outstanding in their field and yet just pipped at the post were awarded with a special commendation."

Mr Miles was presented a cheque for £250 to take back to Sir John Lawes School before an audience that included St Albans resident and under secretary of state for early years and school standards, Baroness Cathy Ashton.