A PRIMARY school in Westcliff has reached the finals of a national competition for educational excellence.

Westborough Primary School has been shortlisted in the national Teaching Awards, which are due to be presented on Sunday, October 21.

The school has been nominated in the sustainable schools category, as a result of green initiatives, including a cardboard classroom.

Regional winners were announced earlier this year and all successful schools have now been put forward for a national award.

The ceremony will be televised on BBC2 and fronted by presenters Jeremy Vine, Kate Thornton and Secretary of State for Education and Skills, Ed Balls.

Chairman of the Teaching Awards, Lord Puttnam, said: "The work of teachers has unique outcomes on the health, wealth and welfare of every single person in this country. As a nation we should be fantastically proud of them.

"This is my ninth Teaching Awards national ceremony, and I have witnessed the huge benefit that comes from teachers accepting praise and celebrating with colleagues, their schools and pupils. I believe in its power."