HE'S the best - Harshad Patel has been named supply teacher of the year by PK Education South Yorkshire

Mr Patel, of Locksley Gardens, Birdwell, was one of three supply teachers shortlisted for the award earlier this year, with the eventual winner being decided by a public vote. He received 41 per cent of the votes.

Mr Patel has been teaching for 39 years and became a supply teacher in 2013 after retiring from a full-time teaching career.

On winning the award he said: "It was absolutely fantastic to have been shortlisted as it is a great feeling to be appreciated by students and schools throughout our region.

"To then go on to win this award is an absolute delight." Mr Patel was described by the schools he works in as 'having an infectious enthusiasm and eagerness to help and change people's lives for the better and inspires others to follow his example".

Lee Carpenter, director of PK Education, said: "Supply teachers like Harshad jump in at the deep end every day and carry out their jobs under quite different circumstances to permanent teachers.

"Very often they're given just a few minutes to prepare for the day ahead with a room full of students they have never met and deliver lessons they are unfamiliar with.

"These awards are our way of recognising the commitment and dedication of supply teachers who are often working under very challenging conditions to ensure children can continue their education."