FOUR exceptional educators were honoured at the Adver’s Teacher of The Year Awards 2015 this week.

The quartet of teaching talent attended a glittering ceremony at the Hilton Hotel, Great Western Way where they were presented with cash prizes by hotel manager Steve Rycroft.

Christopher Fox from Mountford Manor Primary School, Amber Gunning from Covingham Park Primary, Zoe O’Brien from St Mary’s RC Primary School and Victoria Reynolds from Oliver Tomkins Infant School made up the winning quartet.

Sponsored by the Hilton Hotel, the prestigious awards were designed to honour terrific town teachers who go the extra mile in the classroom.

Overall winner and year two teacher Victoria Reynolds is set to swap the staffroom for five-star luxury with her prize of a luxurious all-inclusive stay at the Hilton Taba resort in Egypt, complete with £300 towards flights.

The 24-year-old, from Moredon, said nurturing the next generation was the best part of her teaching career.

“It’s a bit surreal. I feel quite proud of myself that I’ve achieved this," she said.

"Teaching can be difficult at times but it’s all about the impact you have on the children, that’s the most rewarding part about being with the children, knowing you make a difference and helping them go on to have great lives."

Pupils and parents nominated their top teachers, with 30 entries whittled down to the final four.

Victoria's three fellow classroom champs were awarded £750 cheques.

Year five teacher and part-time archer Christopher Fox, from Rodbourne, was recognised for his efforts in bringing extracurricular activities to Mountford Manor.

The 28-year-old said: “This award is testament to the hard work of the pupils and it’s great to be recognised in this way.

"We’ve started a few clubs such as the archery and tag rugby clubs which have become so popular because it brings something different to the school.

“Every day is a new challenge in teaching. I like to bring something different to the class every day and just have fun with them.”

Christopher plans to split his prize money between a holiday to Bordeaux, France with his stepson and partner and a medieval re-enactment costume.

Year five and six teacher Zoe O’Brien, 23, from Stratton, has just started her third year of teaching and plans to use her winnings to take a sunshine break with her partner.

“It is absolutely amazing to be here, a real surreal feeling. I think I was nominated for the relationship I build with the children. I just love seeing the children overcome difficulties and helping them through,” Zoe said.

Year six teacher Amber Gunning, 28, from Covingham, plans to spend her £750 prize on a new car.

“It’s really great to be standing here today and it’s nice that people appreciate what I’m doing every day, I feel that I’m just doing my job but it feels like I’m making a difference," she said.

“I just try and make it as fun as possible every day, if they enjoy themselves and learn at the same time that’s all you can ask for.”

Steve Rycroft paid tribute to the talented teachers and said the hotel was proud to support their achievements.

He said: “It’s exceptional and we’re pleased to have sponsored the event and present these fantastic teachers with their prizes.

"We have a belief in the youth of tomorrow in and around the town so it was great for us to honour those people that help the next generation.”

The six remaining staff superstars in the top 10 will each receive a bottle of champagne.