Three exceptional teachers from Medway have been named as finalists at the 2008 Teaching Awards which take place today .

Among the finalists are Carole Juniper, assistant head teacher at Luton Junior School, nominated for special needs teacher of the year

Kerry Scargill, from Byron Primary School, Gillingham, has been nominated to receive The South East of England Development Agency Award for enterprise.

And James Fernie, also from Byron Primary School, who has been nominated the NCSL Award for head teacher of the year in a primary school.

The finalists in 11 categories will be cheered on by pupils, parents and colleagues during the heart-warming ceremony hosted by BBC presenter Beverley Thompson at Canterbury Cathedral.

Celebrating 10 years of recognition for unsung heroes, the awards will focus on 34 finalists - head teachers, teachers, teaching assistants, governors and schools from the south east.

Each winner will receive a Plato - the teaching awards symbol of excellence in education.

The teaching awards were founded by Lord Puttnam CBE in 1998 to focus on inspired professionals who make the positive achievements of pupils possible.