A LECTURER from Worcester Sixth Form College described as an "inspiration" has been nominated for an award.

Rachel Briggs is course leader in all early years courses and paediatric first aid at the college, and has been nominated for Teacher/Lecturer of the Year in the Worcestershire Education Awards.

Mrs Briggs, 46, who has been at the college for the last eight years, was praised in her nomination as someone who "puts her heart and soul into teaching her students."

Reacting to the nomination, Mrs Briggs said: "I am very surprised but I love what I do.

"My background is in being a neo-natal nurse so I bring a lot of my personal experience into the job.

"One thing I like to do is make the lectures interactive because, let's face it, no one likes sitting still for an hour and a half with someone talking at them.

"The other day we had a mother and her baby come into college so the students could see and learn about the bond which builds between baby and mum and it was really valuable.

"The other thing is that my students are great students. It is not hard to be enthusiastic when they are that motivated and engaged.

"I feel really strongly that young people need to be able to access support out of hours.

"If they get stuck they are likely to put work to one side whereas if they can just ask a question or clarify something they are more likely to finish the work.

"That is why I offer online tutorials every evening and through holidays and weekends."

The deadline for nominations is April 18. Finalists are chosen by a panel of judges and winners are announced during an awards ceremony at the University Arena on June 20.

For more about the awards, go to www.worcesternews.co.uk/awards/worcestershire_education_awards/