SUPER teacher Neil Moon was "amazed" when pupils in his tutor group, 8E, nominated him for the teacher of the year awards.

The 25-year-old PE teacher at Cressex School, Holmer Lane, High Wycombe, has only been teaching at the school since September but is a regional finalist for the category of Outstanding New Teacher in the Department For Education and Skills awards.

If he wins the regional competition he will go on to the televised national finals.

Headteacher Lorna Caldicott said: "His tutor group came up with the idea and sent off for the nomination pack.

"A member of the tutor group, Karl Yearwood, died last October and we think the reason he was nominated was because of how supportive he had been for them."

She added that he took them out bowling as a class activity after Karl died.

Mr Moon said: "It was a difficult time when a member of my tutor group passed away and they were very upset and quiet for a couple of months.

"We held team building exercises and talked on a one to one basis and took them bowling.

"I was very moved and touched to be nominated and coming from the pupils it is a lot, lot nicer.

"If I won the competition, that will be unbelievable, but I am just happy that it has come this far.

"The nicest thing is that coming from the kids it shows that you are doing something right.

"I am really, really enjoying teaching. It is a real challenge"

Now he has been promoted and two days a week will go into primary schools and teach sport and games.

"My tutor group will still get to see me three days a week," he added.