HAGLEY teacher Paul Evason has been named Outstanding New Teacher of the Year at this year’s Midlands Teaching Awards today (Thursday).

The 25-year-old design and technology teacher at Haybridge High School and Sixth Form picked up the regional award at a ceremony at Birmingham’s ICC - hosted by BBC presenter Sarah Falkland.

A little overwhelmed to walk away with the top honour, Mr Evason described the awards ceremony as “surreal but exciting”.

The humble sir, who has taught at Haybridge for three years since graduating, said he loves his job - but he was shocked to win the prestigious accolade for “just going to work”.

He added: “I’ve always tried to do my best and to impact across the school rather than my own classroom.”

Mr Evason, who lives in Telford, is now set to go through to the national finals of the 2010 Teaching Awards - which will be held in London in October.

Wollaston teacher Emma Jewkes was also praised at the regional awards - which honour unsung teaching heroes from across the Midlands.

Nominated for The Royal Air Force Award for Teacher of the Year in a Primary School - the 25-year-old based at The Ridge Primary was commended for her teaching talents - which her headteacher Deb Hudson described as “an inspiration”.