THE "inspiring" musical director of Dunfermline Junior Chorus is in the running to be named Teacher of the Year.

Mandy Miller, who has also led the Dunfermline Choral Union for 27 years, has been nominated for the accolade in the Scottish Education Awards.

The Lochgelly High School teacher is one of three finalists with the winner to be announced at a ceremony in Glasgow in November – the event was due to take place in June but was rearranged due to COVID-19.

A spokesperson for Dunfermline Junior Chorus said: "Mandy is well-known locally for her musical activity.

"She not only teaches music in school but also is musical director of the Dunfermline Junior Chorus.

"The junior chorus has four choirs of young people aged from six to 18, and is open to all children in the Dunfermline area.

"Mandy is an inspiring teacher to all the adults and children who are taught by her."

The spokesperson added: "The junior chorus is of course currently unable to meet for rehearsals, and concerts in March and June have been cancelled.

"This is a great disappointment to Mandy and all the children, as this is the 15th anniversary of the junior chorus and it was hoped to celebrate this at the June concert."

The awards ceremony is planned to take place on Wednesday, November 11, at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Glasgow and Miss Miller will be up against two teachers from Argyll and Bute.

The annual event celebrates the hard work and success which takes place in Scottish education, recognising those who dedicate their lives to children and young people and showcasing the valuable work and innovation in our classrooms.

Lochgelly High School's headteacher, Debbie Aitken, told parents in a letter: "I wanted to share with you some very good news.

"Miss Mandy Miller, our principal teacher of music, has been informed that she is one of the three finalists in the Scottish Education Awards, Teacher of the Year category.

"This will be judged in November and we are absolutely delighted with this achievement for Miss Miller, who has been a teacher in Lochgelly High for the last 33 years."