Pupils at Swanmore C. of E. Primary School have always known Sharon Witt is a special teacher.

Now she has been named primary school teacher of the year in the Southern Region. Her Plato award-the teaching equivalent of an Oscar-was presented to her by Stephen Twigg MP at a ceremony in Winchester Guildhall.

Sharon, who has been teaching for 19 years, came to Swanmore in 1993 as deputy head.

She was nominated by Heather Short, whose sons, Matthew and William, have both been in her class. "They have gained so much from being taught by her," said Mrs Short. "My husband saw the details in the paper and suggested that as Miss Witt's name is constantly heard in the house she must be very special."

Head teacher, Lesley Hutchings, agrees. "I have worked in five schools and she is the best teacher I have ever known. She makes every child feel special, she loves being with them and makes every learning experience worthwhile and fun."

Possibly the proudest person at the ceremony was Sharon's mother, Zillah Witt, a volunteer in a primary school at Tunbridge Wells.

The judges' citation, read by BBC South Today presenter, Sally Taylor, commented on Sharon's enthusiasm, her energy and sunny personality. "They watched a dance lesson and longed to join in. A teaching assistant said she has her arms around the whole classroom-the judges thought she embraced the whole school."

Sharon said: "It is joy to go to work every day. "My head, Lesley, has given me so many opportunities. She helps me fly with my teaching and Sue Brown, a member of the leadership team, has always been there for me."

After a well-deserved glass of champagne Sharon spoke of her happiness and gratitude to her colleagues and governors.

"I was fortunate to be given a year's secondment to take a postgraduate degree in geography and environmental education at Southampton University. I didn't want to do it part-time as I can't do things by halves - either teaching or studying." She has also passed the National Professional Qualification for Headship.

Later that afternoon she appeared on South Today and the following day she was welcomed back to Swanmore in triumph. "Children had written messages all over the board, there were cards and flowers and the governors gave me a climbing rose called Flashdance. We had a whole school assembly when we watched the television broadcast together. It has been a very special time."

Sharon will have discussions with the governors on how best to spend the £2,000 she received for the school in addition to ICT equipment worth £1,000. She was also given £500 bursary from the DfES to spend on professional development. The national finals, when she has the chance to win further equipment, worth £10,000, for Swanmore, will be held in October.