Mrs Bev Goodger CBiol MSB, a teacher at Sir John Deane's College, Northwich, has been presented with the Society of Biology School Biology Teacher of the Year Award. The award identifies and recognises the very best and most inspiring biology teachers in the country.

As part of the award she received £500 for herself plus £500 of Oxford University Press resources for her school, in addition to prizes from 3B Scientific and the National Science Learning Centre.

Mrs Goodger contributes to a full enrichment programme within the college, including visiting speakers; extension classes and field trips to local nature reserves and natural history museums. Amongst other initiatives and achievements Bev has instigated a peer-mentoring system for students, Biopals, and has worked with a 'Saturday Science' club for students from her own college and other local high schools.

She says: "I am absolutely delighted, but very surprised, to receive this honour. Biology is an endlessly fascinating subject, and the real perk of my job is being able to share my enthusiasm and interest in it with my students in the hope that they will be inspired to find out more for themselves."

Mark Downs, chief executive of the Society of Biology, says: "I am extremely impressed by the standard of the award, and particularly so by Mrs Goodger. Her teaching methods are inspiring and for her students and fellow teachers. Her innovative and holistic approach to teaching will surely raise the standards of biosciences teaching in the UK."

Dr Richard Spencer CBiol MSB of SRC Bede Sixth Form in Billingham was the runner-up for the award. Dr Spencer's innovative lessons include biology songs which he has written to help students remember complicated processes and learn new biological terms.

Vaughan Lewis, National Science Learning Centre, Richard Spencer, Bev Goodger and Elisabeth Speakman, UK 3B Scientific