A school staff member has been rewarded for her hard work and dedication - as she is named teaching assistant of the year.

Francesca Bennett, who works as a senior support assistant with squirrel class on the Cressex site of Chiltern Wood School, was presented with the award in a special assembly.

She was selected as the overall winner from a total of 537 nominations country-wide within the special needs sector, as she works with children with learning difficulties in the High Wycombe school.

Teacher Salma Jabar said: “Fran is Little Miss Sunshine. Everywhere she goes she spreads light and happiness”.

Fran was presented with a certificate, Kindle tablet and £75 worth of education book resources.

Headteacher, Bradley Taylor, said: “I am delighted that one of our own has been recognised for the tremendous work teaching assistants do.”