A TEACHER, who only launched her classes this year, has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

Amy Sommerville kickstarted Sounds Right Phonics in Salisbury, Amesbury and Tidworth back in January, and has now been announced as a finalist in the National What's On 4 Kids Awards 2019, under the Most Loved Academic or Creative Activity category.

Launched in 2007, the awards celebrate and champion the UK's favourite clubs and classes, voted by parents and carers, and this year more than 80,000 votes were cast.

Amy is "over the moon" to be shortlisted for the accolade, adding: "I started running these classes in January 2019, as I noticed a real lack of educational preschool classes in the local area.

"Parents and children are absolutely loving the sessions and it’s a real privilege to teach them. I’m so excited for the awards ceremony in October."

The awards ceremony will take place on October 11, with other categories including Most Loved Party Activity, Most Loved Activity Leader or Business Manager and Most Loved Sport or Physical Activity.

What's On 4 Kids managing director, Sam Willoughby, added: "Each and every year it’s a pleasure to welcome back so many activities, [we are] keen to be part of these national awards once again but it’s also so exciting to see the new nominees from this thriving sector being showcased for the first time.

"We know from parents’ testimonials how clubs, classes and individual leaders have such a positive impact on the lives of their children and it’s an honour therefore to publicly recognise and celebrate these activity providers in this way."