A NOTTINGHAM teacher has spoken of his pride after winning a national award for teaching physics.

Pete Dowsett, head of physics at Trinity School, in Aspley, has scooped the Salters Horners Advanced Physics (Shap) Teacher of the Year award.

The 59-year-old has taught at the school for 21 years and was nominated for the award by his pupils and colleagues.

Mr Dowsett, of West Bridgford, said: "In the world of physics it is a very prestigious award and it has only been handed out around ten times before.

"I am absolutely delighted but very surprised. I am so delighted that the students and teachers put in the teamwork and effort into nominating me.

"I'm pleased that I have been recognised for what I put into teaching."

Mr Dowsett's students and colleagues wrote statements to Shap recommending him for the award.

Inspectors then visited the school, in June, to assess his teaching by sitting in on lessons and speaking with past and present students.

Of the challenge of teaching sciences, Mr Dowsett said: "I think you have got to encourage the students to believe that they can do it.

"You have got to be there to help them as soon as they find things tough, so that any problems can be sorted out.

"I also try to make my lessons interesting and enjoyable."

Mr Dowsett has also previously taught at Fairham School, in Clifton, and Rushcliffe School, in West Bridgford.

He will officially be presented with the award at a ceremony, in London, in November.

Mike McKeever, head teacher at Trinity School, said: "I'm delighted with this award. It is very well deserved.

"Pete has been here a long time but has never lost his enthusiasm for the job. He has been able to innovate and has been a major part in physics being such a success here.

"It is a great honour for the school to have Pete here, with the major benefactors being the students.

"We have a lot of post-16 physics students and a lot of that is down to Pete's enthusiasm."