A MUSIC teacher from Newport has been honoured at the Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year Awards.

Former Ysgol y Preseli pupil Elin Non Ennis was presented with the Secondary School Music Teacher of the Year Award in front of 5,000 people on stage at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

The Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year Awards celebrate and reward teachers who have made a difference to the musical lives of young people.

Elin, who learnt the piano with Stephen Pilkington and now works at Builth Wells High School in Powys, will receive musical equipment and instruments from Yamaha and software from Avid’s Sibelius music education range.

The judges commented: “Elin goes above and beyond in her teaching, taking her A-Level candidates off each year for a special revision session in wonderfully inspiring locations, and running weekend composing workshops in school. "This dedication demonstrates that teaching is far more than just a job for Elin, and all who are taught by her are truly thankful for her willingness to always go the extra mile for her pupils.”

Elin, who was accompanist for Cor Crymych during her first year of teaching, said: “I am extremely delighted to have received such a prestigious award. Such an honour reflects the hard work of everyone in my department, the staff, the pupils and their parents.”

Darren Henley, managing director of Classic FM, said: “Every single day, inspirational music teachers like Elin change the lives of thousands of young people across the country, helping to develop Britain's next generation of brilliant musical talent. We're proud that our awards celebrate the outstanding work of the UK's very best music teachers inside and outside the classroom.”