A TEACHER from Portchester mingled with the stars at a national awards ceremony.

Christine Toner, 43, was nominated for her work at Portchester Community School, which successfully mixes able-bodied and disabled students.

She was whisked up to London for the National Teaching Awards ceremony, hosted by Davina McCall at the Millennium Dome on Sunday.

Christine said: "It was out of this world - I had a fantastic day. Even though I did not win it was totally brilliant."

The ceremony, which saw TV celebrities and politicians handing out prizes to teachers,is due to be televised on Sunday on BBC.