A DEDICATED teacher stepped in to head a local primary school when illness struck.

Now, the grateful Parochial Church Council at Christ's Church, Harwood has nominated Ann Read for the Bolton Evening News' Bouquet of the Week.

"Ann Read has been with Christ's Church primary school for two years, and worked closely with Mrs Watson, the headteacher," explained Miss Gail Spence on behalf of the PCC.

"Due to serious illness, Mrs Watson has not been in school for nearly 12 months. This has put pressure on all the staff but especially on Ann Read as she has taken on the responsibility of headteacher.

"The PCC would like to thank her for all her hard work and dedication over this difficult time. The staff at the school have all pulled together with her guidance and taken on extra work.

"This has produced a very good OFSTED inspection, along with an excellent report for Religious Education from the Manchester Dioceses which highlighted 'good teaching practice.'

"The school has taken on extra curricular activities and even expanded on them,.

"It has been a difficult year for everyone, with the uncertainty of the school situation in the area. But Ann has kept herself and her staff calm with her very professional attitude which has been a great morale booster for the staff and everyone connected to the school.

"They have come through this time with flying colours, and deserve our thanks and recognition for the hard work."

And the caring teacher was delighted with the flowers, which arrived courtesy of Caroline Ward's flower and gift delivery service (0800-289-335). Send details of your nominations for this floral award (including the daytime telephone number of the person nominated) to: BOUQUET OF THE WEEK, Angela Kelly, Features Dept, Bolton Evening News, Churchgate, Bolton BL1 1DE.