SIX Hampshire teachers are in a class of their own, making it to the regional finals of the Teaching Awards 2006.

They were nominated by parents, pupils and colleagues for the teaching awards organised by the Teaching Awards Trust.

Now in its seventh year the awards are designed to recognise excellence in education.

Regional finalists include Claire Frampton of Elson Junior School, Gosport, Debra Marshall of Gomer Infant School, Andrew Portas of Ringwood Secondary School, Mike Hughes of the Mountbatten School in Romsey, Jeffery Threlfall of Wildern Secondary School in Hedge End and Margaret Olive of Ringwood School.

The regional event will take place in Berkshire on July 3.