A teacher at a Hanley Swan school has beaten hundreds of others to reach the finals of the West Midlands Teaching Awards.

Anna Streather, of St Gabriel's with St Mary's Primary School, is to travel to Birmingham on Wednesday (July 3) for the event, organised annually by the independent charity Teaching Awards Trust.

She joins three other teachers on the shortlist for the title of Primary School Teacher of the Year and will carry off prizes worth a total of £3,500, as well as a place in the national finals, if she wins.

The winner of the national finals, which are being screened on BBC 1 in November, will win another £25,000 for their school in cash and computer equipment.

Mrs Streather, who has three sons at The Chase High School in Malvern, runs three after-school sports clubs every term as well as taking responsibility for the school's seven to nine year olds and teaching science to its nine to 11 year olds.

A keen sports fan herself, she helps coach Worcester Rugby Club's under-15 side and is studying for a Youth Level Two rugby coaching badge.

On receiving the nomination, judges from the Teaching Awards Trust visited the school and quizzed pupils, staff and parents and governors about Mrs Steather and interviewed her.

Headteacher Mary Pick said the nomination had received the "whole-hearted support" of the staff.

"I was one of the people who nominated her," she said. "I've always recognised her talent."

Mrs Streather said she felt "very, honoured" by her inclusion on the shortlist but regards it more as an accolade for the school than just one individual.

"I could not be as I am without the support of the head, the staff, children, governors and village community," she said.

"I feel very, very honoured that they feel I'm worthy of being nominated."