A TEACHER from Beccles has scooped an award for inspiring his colleagues to bring learning to life.Stephen Kings was named the Learners' Champion at the Suffolk Big Skill Awards by BBC sports presenter Ray Stubbs, who has championed The Big Skill since it was launched in January.

A TEACHER from Beccles has won an award for inspiring his colleagues to bring learning to life.

Stephen Kings was named Learners' Champion at the Suffolk Big Skill Awards by BBC sports presenter Ray Stubbs, who has championed Big Skill since it was launched in January.

Mr Kings, 35, works as a teacher and section leader for higher education at Otley College, near Ipswich.

"This is fantastic," he said.

"I wasn't expecting this at all. Being nominated was enough, but to actually win the award is great. It's an honour to be named Learners' Champion. I'm really pleased."

The awards, run by the Learning and Skills Council in partnership with BBC Radio Suffolk, reward people who have improved their life or the lives of others through learning.

Jenny Milsom, who nominated Mr Kings, said: "Stephen has a unique gift, in that he is able to inspire

both staff and students and bring alive the learning experience.

"I have never encountered a teacher who has so much commitment to improving the way in which young people learn."

Judges praised Mr Kings's ability to motivate and inspire other teachers by showing them how to get the most out of students by interesting and involving them.

He was one of seven category winners at the ceremony, held at Ipswich, who were presented with a certificate, trophy and a �150 voucher.