A TEACHER who spent nearly four decades shaping young minds has been honoured for the dedication he showed throughout his career.

Steve Jackson, 57, has been nominated for Teacher of the Year in the 2017 Heart of Ulverston awards.

Mr Jackson, who has taught at Low Furness CE Primary for five-and-a-half years, was praised by his nominee for "going above and beyond" to harness the potential of his pupils.

After learning about his nomination, Mr Jackson said he was speechless about being recognised for his work.

He said: "I'm very grateful to whoever nominated me. I've had a fantastic teaching career, I've really enjoyed it.

"I've always loved teaching despite the ups and downs of the job but the children always stay at the centre."

Originally from Manchester, Mr Jackson and his family moved to Ulverston in 1973. After completing his teacher training at the Charlotte Mason College in Ambleside, he worked briefly in Middlesbrough before returning to Cumbria. He has since enjoyed a 35-year-long career in the profession.

Expanding the horizons of his pupils has always been front and centre of his teaching philosophy.

He said: "It's about looking at the wider world. In Cumbria we have to widen the children's perspective. Teaching them to value their area so they can develop a voice.

"It's not just academic, you can see in children such potential, you know in some ways that they are going to be cleverer than you are."

Outside of the classroom, Mr Jackson has maintained his commitment to young people. He regularly takes a football-mad former pupil to Old Trafford to watch Manchester United play when his parents can't due to work.

He has brought his passion for cricket to his job and encouraged youngsters to pick up the bat, giving them confidence to play.

At the end of the summer, Mr Jackson will take well-earned retirement. It will be a sad moment when he puts down his marking book, but he is reflective on the great experience it has been to teach.

He said: "Thank you to the Evening Mail and to those who nominated me, I'm overwhelmed. You teach for the love of it, you never expect to get recognition."

Read more about this year's Heart of Ulverston nominees:

A brave girl has become a valued member of her community after losing her father at a young age

A science mad teacher has found the formula to keep kids engaged