A primary school teacher has picked up a national award for her dedication to helping pupils who are struggling to read.

Sarah Barbet-Sawyer, of Ripple Primary School, in Suffolk Road, Barking, was named Reading Recovery Teacher of the Year by The Institute of Education.

She was recognised for her work supporting children with low literacy skills and for going the extra mile.

In a case where a boy needed home tuition because he was very ill and unable to attend reading recovery lessons at school, she took it on herself to tutor the child after work each day.

Cllr Rocky Gill, cabinet member for finance and education said: “Being able to read from an early age has never been more important for our children.

“The work that Sarah and other teachers do to make sure that children become readers is invaluable.”