WEST Somerset headmaster Alan Woollam (pictured) has clinched a top award honouring the region's most outstanding and inspiring teachers.

Mr Woollam, of Knights Templar First School, Watchet, has been singled out for his leadership qualities and was one of just 11 teachers and teaching assistants to receive an accolade at the BT Teaching Awards on Wednesday (June 26).

He has worked at Knights Templar and the former St Decuman's First School in Watchet for 32 years - 28 as headteacher - steering the amalgamation of the town's two first schools 12 years ago.

The church school has an enviable reputation in the district and his leadership qualities were highlighted in the most recent Ofsted inspection.

His success in winning the Leadership Trust Award for leadership in a primary school prompted praise from his staff.

Assistant deputy headteacher Judy Carslake said: "We are absolutely delighted and this is terribly well deserved.

"He has given such long service to the area and understands the needs of the community so well.

"Although he is always full of energy and very 'bouncy', he never fails to notice if someone is a bit under the weather or worried about something."

Mrs Carslake said that former parents, community leaders, school governors and many others flocked to give testimonials about Mr Woollam's winning qualities when judges visited Knights Templar after he was one of hundreds nominated for awards in seven different categories.

He travelled to Bath for a special ceremony to receive the award, which includes £1,000 of the latest ICT equipment for the school, a £2,000 'best practice' cash grant, a trophy and -- for the first time -- a £500 professional development bursary from the Government.

Alan, who was nominated for the award by one of his classroom assistants, will now go through to the national finals and if one of 10 winners could secure a prize package worth £25,000 for his school.

He told the County Gazette he was surprised to have won but that it was a great coup both for the school and Watchet.

"It's really a team effort and I'm just at the top - but the staff make it easy for me.

"We know we do a good job and now it has been recognised."