THERE are two reasons to celebrate in Lochgelly after a teacher and a nursery from the town were nominated in the Scottish Education Awards.

Mandy Miller, from the high school, is up for the Teacher of the Year award while the Sunflower Family Nurture Centre will hope to pick up the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Award.

The annual event celebrates the hard work and success which takes place in Scottish education, recognising those who dedicate their lives to children and young people and showcasing the valuable work and innovation in our classrooms.

Lochgelly High School's headteacher, Debbie Aitken, told parents in a letter: "I wanted to share with you some very good news.

"Miss Mandy Miller, our principal teacher of music, has been informed that she is one of the three finalists in the Scottish Education Awards, Teacher of the Year category.

"This will be judged in November and we are absolutely delighted with this achievement for Miss Miller, who has been a teacher in Lochgelly High for the last 33 years."

The awards ceremony is planned to take place on Wednesday November 11 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Glasgow and Miss Miller will be up against two teachers from Argyll and Bute.

The Sunflower Family Nurture Centre, based at Melgund Place, is up against finalists from Dumfries & Galloway and East Ayrshire.

The awards were first launched in November 2001 by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Daily Record and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony where over 500 people attend the event, made up of finalists, sponsors, VIPs and ministers.

Entry to the awards is open to all publicly funded schools, including secondary, primary, ELCs and special schools.