An Ipswich tutor is headed to a glittering ceremony in London after being hailed the “best teacher ever” by one of her students.

Nicola Manning, who teaches biology at One Sixth Form College in Ipswich, has received one of 68 silver awards from Publishing and Examination Giant, Pearson.

Ms Manning is now headed to the finals, vying for one of 13 Gold awards, and is the only teacher from Suffolk competing for what has been known as the UK's 'Oscars for Teachers'.

Grace Maly, one of Ms Manning's students, presented the trophy to her teacher, adding that she was "such a force of nature in the best possible way, a constant support and the best teacher ever".

A tea at the House of Commons on July 11 now awaits the star teacher, followed by a glitzy ceremony at the Roundhouse in London on October 20, where she will be one of four nominees for Further Education (FE) Lecturer of the Year.

Ms Manning, who lives in Felixstowe, said that it was "nice to be recognised".