A TEACHING assistant is in the running to be crowned one of Britain's Classroom Heroes at a major awards ceremony.

Science-mad Lorraine Pemberton has already scooped a Pearson Silver Teaching Award for her outstanding work with youngsters at Great Bentley Primary.

This Sunday she will attend a glittering ceremony at the East Wintergarden, in London's Canary Wharf, to find out if she has won a prestigious Gold Plato Award at the teaching Oscars.

She was nominated for by pupils, parents and staff at the school.

Eleven Gold Plato Awards will be presented at the ceremony, hosted by BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty and Countryfile's Sean Fletcher.

It will be broadcast on BBC2 at 6pm on October 29 as Britain’s Classroom Heroes.

Great Bentley headteacher Tracey Caffull said science and technology "ooze out of Lorraine's pores".

Youngsters call trained engineer Lorraine the "lady with the tanks" because of her collection of military vehicles.

Lorraine has been at the school for 14 years and leads science, technology, engineering and maths clubs.

Projects have included building bridges, making bath bombs and even constructing a bionic hand.

Mrs Caffull said it was a privilege to work with her.

In June this year, Lorraine was recognised for her exceptional contribution to the teaching profession as one of just 56 Silver Teaching Award winners in the UK.