A teacher who goes the extra mile in commitment is in line for one of the country's top education awards.

Jonathan Spedding has already been named the primary school teacher of the year for the southern region in the Teaching Awards.

Mr Spedding, a teacher for six years, all of them at The Batt Primary School, in Witney, now goes to the national finals at the London Palladium in October.

Headteacher Chris Payne said: "He's an outstanding teacher, probably the most committed I've come across.

"It's not just the hours and dedication he puts, but everything else he brings to the school. He runs all the sports teams, the science club, and also the school Lego team."

Mr Spedding, 36, and originally from Yorkshire, used to work for the Youth Hostels Association before deciding to become a teacher.

The Teaching Awards, sponsored by the Department of Education and Skills, attract thousands of nominations each year for a variety of categories.

Mr Spedding was nominated this year by The Batt School's teaching assistant Mary Morris, with an endorsement from Mr Payne.

He was visited by two independent judges in April to watch him in action and speak to teachers, pupils and parents.

Winners for the region, which covers Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berk- shire, Hampshire and Dorset, were announced at a ceremony in Winchester on Friday.

Mr Spedding said: "I was shocked more than anything and am still taking it in. It is really more a reflection on the school and its wonderful children. I've got a super class this year."

He teaches a class of 28 nine- to 10-year-olds - in the school there are 267 pupils, aged four to 11.