A RETIRED teacher who has helped women from around the world to learn English could be named volunteer of the year.

Nancy Spratt, 78, was nominated for our Community Pride awards scheme by her colleague Heather Woolley.

Nancy, of Skelton, York, has co-ordinated a conversation class in York to help women who do not speak English as their mother tongue, since it was set up nearly 25 years ago.

In this time she has helped women from all over the world to practise speaking English in a safe, friendly environment.

The class was initially set up to help Vietnamese refugees; a joint venture between the council and the Community Relations Council. When the latter folded, Nancy was instrumental in keeping the classes running.

Students and teachers alike pay only 50 pence a week, which covers venue hire, and take it in turns to bring coffee and biscuits.

Nancy said: "A lot of the students have learned English in their own countries and know the grammar better than I do, but they have not had the opportunity to speak it.

We focus on conversation and help people develop the confidence to speak English.

"I do it because I really enjoy it and it is very rewarding. We have a lot of fun together."

Nancy is keen to praise the other teachers. She said: "There are about eight of us altogether and it is very much a team effort. They all deserve the praise as much as I do, and we are grateful for the support and welcome we always get from the Friends Meeting House, where we have our meetings."

Nominator and fellow teacher Heather Woolley said Nancy was very deserving of being considered for the award. She said: "Nancy herself has been one of the voluntary teachers for nearly 25 years.

"She also organises the summer trip, the Christmas party and encourages the students to meet outside the class for coffee once a month.

"Ex students from around the world are still in contact with her and those who have settled in York have found the classes invaluable for improving their English and enabling them to integrate more fully within the community."

There is still time to nominate York's unsung heroes, but entries must be received by Friday. Our judges will select three finalists in each category and winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on October 20.

Updated: 11:19 Tuesday, July 12, 2005