A DEDICATED teacher at a special school in Ulverston was recognised for her tireless work by one of her star pupils with the Evening Mail's Bouquet of the Week.

Kerry Billows, who teaches at Sandside Lodge School in Sandside Road, was presented with the special flowers by pupil Lauren Abbie McBride.

The 20-year-old is leaving the school to study at Beaumont College in Lancaster and wanted to say thank you to her pastoral teacher of four years before going.

Kerry was surprised by the Bouquet of the Week on Lauren's last day at the school on Thursday July 21 and said it was a big surprise.

Speaking after the presentation, Kerry said: "It's wonderful. It's lovely.

"[Lauren's] the sweetest person you will ever come across here. She's a smiler and she tries incredibly hard.

"We just clicked straight away. I wish her the very best.

"The thing I most enjoy about my job is seeing the students. They are the best. They achieve so much. It's brilliant."

Kerry, who lives in Windermere, has been at Sandside Lodge, a special school for young people with learning disabilities or additional needs, for around ten years.

The Ulverston school offers a high-quality education to children and young people who may have complex needs such as autism, physical disabilities and sensory impairments. It covers people of primary school, secondary school and sixth form age.

In the Bouquet of the Week nomination, Lauren said she had come to think of Sandside Lodge as her "second home," having been going there since the age of three.

Lauren also says she considers Kerry to be more of a friend than a teacher.

Nominate a person for the Bouquet of the Week by emailing reporter Jonathan Robinson at jonathan.robinson@nwemail.co.uk

Read about some of our previous winners:

Office manager thanked by school on Walney with Bouquet of the Week

Barrow nursery teacher given perfect goodbye present

Barrow toddler group couple acclaimed for dedication