A TEACHER who has won £2,000 and Roald Dahl books after a student nominated him for an award with Magic FM says he was "amazed that he made such an impact".

Magic FM launched a competition asking for the public to nominate an amazing teacher, inspired by the upcoming remake of Matilda, the popular Roald Dahl book.

In the film Miss Honey is a teacher who makes a lasting impression on her student Matilda, who has extraordinary abilities and does not come from a supportive home.

One student at St Julie’s in Eccleston decided his favourite teacher Patrick Royle fitted the bill and nominated him to win.

Call from Ronan Keating

And on Tuesday they were both shocked by getting a call live on air from presenters Ronan Keating and Harriet Scott during the school day.

Year 4 student Robert Ford said Mr Royle is “very good at the guitar doing happy birthday songs on Fridays if there are any birthdays in the juniors.”

He added that he is his "favourite teacher".

'I was so shocked'

On air, Mr Royle said: “What I love the most about teaching is seeing the children’s faces and seeing the smiles on their faces every day and seeing the light bulb moment when they get something because of you.”

They were then told live that Mr Royle won the £2,000 for the school which is going to use the funds to allow all the pupils to go on a school trip, suggesting a Roman March trip to Chester.

Mr Royle also won a John Lewis gift card and the school won a collection of Roald Dahl books for the library.

Speaking to the Star, Patrick Royle, 26, said: “I was so shocked when I found out I was nominated, I know Robert quite well and he’s a lovely little boy and his parents are very supportive of the school as well, but I was very shocked that they took the time to nominate me for this really.

“It was quite a shock to speak to the presenters on air and to be told I won, I love teaching and making a difference to the children so to be recognised for that is lovely really.

“It was certainly a different type of working day; the students were very excited.

"We look forward to going on a trip soon, as the coaches cost so much now and with the cost-of-living crisis we’ve not been able to afford the coaches to take children out on many trips.

“I’m a former St Julie’s student myself, I have lasting memories of school trips which made a huge impression on me, so to be able to take the students out on one that hopefully will stay with them is amazing.

"Thank you for the nomination, Robert.”

Such an enthusiastic teacher

Anne Hodgson, head teacher at St Julie’s Catholic Primary School, added: “We are really pleased for Mr Royle, he is such an enthusiastic teacher and plays guitar during our assemblies and in school productions as well.

“We have fantastic staff here at St Julie’s and really pride ourselves in trying to bring the best out of all our students, so for Robert to nominate Mr Royle is lovely.

“The money will go towards a trip for the students, which we have been looking to do but with rising costs it is difficult so that will be lovely for them all, and also to buy some IT equipment for them all to use.”