A WALTON headteacher has been named as a finalist for a prestigious award after inspiring a dramatic turnaround at his school.

Benedick Ashmore-Short, principal of Hamford Primary Academy, is up for the award for best headteacher in a primary school at the Pearson Teaching Awards.

The annual awards celebrate the best teachers in a host of categories from across the UK.

Mr Ashmore-Short was nominated by several people within Hamford for his work at the academy since taking over, helping to drive it out of special measures.

His was one of thousands of nomination entries for the awards.

But he was named as one of the finalists and judges visited the Walton school before the Easter holidays to watch him in action and help them make a decision.

Mr Ashmore-Short said: “The whole thing is very exciting and a huge privilege."

The finalists will find out the award results on May 16.