A CLACTON teacher will discover if she has scooped a national Classroom Hero award this weekend.

Laura Townsend, of Clacton County High School, is in the running for a Gold Plato teaching award at a glittering ceremony hosted by actor and comedian Hugh Dennis at London's Guildhall on Sunday.***OCT23***

She won a silver teaching award earlier this year for her "exceptional contribution" to the profession.

Laura was nominated by pupils, parents and staff at Clacton County High.

She won the award for outstanding new teacher of the year after joining the school as a trainee PE teacher just three years ago.

Her innovative style has involved staging the popular This Girl Can assault courses and colour runs which have involved more than 1,000 pupils, teachers and parents in sporting activities.

Awards host and TV's Mock the Week star Hugh Dennis said: “I am genuinely proud and honoured to be hosting this year’s ceremony.

"The inspiration and support of my fantastic teachers got me to where I am today and I look forward to joining in and celebrating other teachers’ incredible achievements as well.”

Britain’s Classroom Heroes is broadcast on BBC2 on October 30.