FOUR of York’s top teachers have been nominated for a Community Pride award.

The quartet from Copmanthorpe, Dringhouses, Huntington and Clifton have been nominated as Teacher Of The Year in The Press Community Pride awards to celebrate the city’s unsung heroes.

They have been put forward as people who inspire York’s children and young people with their enthusiasm and commitment.

Among the nominees Jean Calverley, the deputy head at Clifton Green Primary School, has been praised for teaching and inspiring generations of families in Clifton.

Gemma and Dean Long said in nominating her: “She is extremely dedicated to helping children in their families regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances.

“Children feel confident in confiding in Mrs Calverley, as do parents, and she really makes the school what it is alongside our great head teacher, Mr Brown.”

Richard Skidmore, a teacher at Dringhouses Primary School, is also popular. Nominating him, Nikki Wild said he had been instrumental in looking out for and building up the confidence of her son Ewan. She said: “Mr Skidmore is the most amazing teacher... all the kids adore him and he really engages them.

“He also runs the football team and the fantasy football. This award would be a perfect way for me to thank him for all he has done for Ewan and the other children he has taught.”

David Scott, a teacher at Copmathorpe Primary School, was nominated by parent Amanda Leach for his work with her son Jack, eight, whom she said had progressed well thanks to his encouragement and support.

“He is a wonderful man and a fantastic teacher. He welcomes us at any time during term for any worries we have. We truly cannot praise him enough, he is a treasure.”

Meanwhile Naomi Brown, a teacher at Huntington School, has been nominated by parent Joanne Olsen for her efforts to help her daughter Emily with her maths lessons and exams.

Miss Brown had gone to great lengths to help Emily and other students – putting on extracurricular sessions with targeted revision for pupils and spending time easing nerves about the exam process.

The Community Pride Awards, featuring a York 800 theme this year, are sponsored by Benenden Healthcare and run in partnership with City of York Council.